Austrian Netherlands 1759(a) 1/2 kronenthaler KM-20
This specimen was lot 750 in Jean Elsen sale 158 (Brussels, March 2024), where it sold for €80 (about US$104 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BRABANT, Duché, François Ier (1745-1765), AR demi-couronne, 1759, Bruxelles. D/ Aigle impériale couronnée, entourée du collier de la Toison d'or. R/ Croix de Bourgogne entre trois couronnes, ornée du bijou de la Toison d'or. Nettoyée. presque Très Beau. (duchy of Brabant, Francis I, 1745-65, about Very Fine.)"
Belgium, long a part of Hapsburg Spain, was awarded to Charles VI of Austria by the Treaty of Utrecht which ended the War of the Spanish Succession. Fortified by the Dutch and constantly menaced by the French, the Austrians quickly discovered Belgium to be a worthless addition to their domain. This type was struck in 1755-79 during the reign of Maria Theresia (KM 19) and Francis I (KM 20, shown here, struck 1755-65). It replaced the half ducaton in 1755 but retained many stylistic features. The Austrians lost Belgium to Revolutionary France in 1797.
Reported Mintage: 253,000 (including KM 19 for Maria Theresia).
Specification: 14.72 g, 0.873 fine silver; this specimen 14,55 g.
Catalog reference: KM 20, W. 1140; Delm-386; VH 831.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 158, Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
Link to:
- 1758 half kronenthaler, Brussels mint, Francis I
- 1758 kronenthaler, Antwerp mint, Maria Theresia
- 1758 kronenthaler, Brussels mint, Francis I
- 1758 souverain d'or, Brussels mint
- 1759 kronenthaler, Brussels mint, Francis I
- 1760 half kronenthaler, Brussels mint, Francis I
- 1760 souverain d'or, Brussels mint
- Coins and currency dated 1759