Austrian Netherlands 1776(a) liard
This specimen was lot 690 in Jean Elsen sale 161 (Brussels, March 2025), where it sold for €3,000 (about US$3,906 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BRABANT, Duché, Marie-Thérèse (1740-1780), Cu liard, 1776, Bruxelles. D/ B. voilé à d. R/ Inscription en quatre lignes. Rare. (duchy of Brabant, Maria Theresia, 1740-80, copper liard of 1776, Brussels mint. Obverse: veiled bust right; reverse: four line inscription. Rare, Extremely Fine - Uncirculated.)"
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. Charles neglected it and it was left to Maria Theresia to provide new coinage for it the late 1740's. The liard was the smallest denomination and was 1/240 of a ducaton. This type was struck in 1776-80 towards the end of Maria Theresia's reign. All were made in Brussels with the angel face mintmark.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.75 g, copper, 22 mm diameter, this specimen 3,74 g.
Catalog reference: KM 28, W. 1147; V.K. 246.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 161, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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