Brabant (1326-30) 1/2 gros
This specimen was lot 693 in Jean Elsen sale 164 (Brussels, March 2026), where it sold for €95 (about US$132 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BRABANT, Duché, Jean III (1312-1355), AR demi-gros à l'écu, vers 1326-1330, Bruxelles. D/ MON-ETA· BR-VXELN' Écu écartelé de Brabant-Limbourg. R/ Croix courte. Légende intérieure: + SIGNVM· CRVCIS. Fine fêlure du flan. Très Beau. (duchy of Brabant, John III, 1312-55, silver half groat of the shield, circa 1326-30, Brussels mint. Obverse: quartered arms of Brabant and Limburg; reverse: short cross with interior legend. Fine planchet crack, Very Fine.)"
Jean III succeeded to the duchies of Brabant and Limburg in 1312, when he was twelve years old. Altho neighboring Flanders was economically tied to Brabant, it was ruled by a separate dynasty. Jean's line fell extinct in 1406 and the duchy became a Valois appanage. A similar half groat was struck in Louvain.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.82 g, silver; this specimen 1,72 g.
Catalog reference: Ghyssens p. 12, 3; W. 310.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 164: Monnaies du duché de Brabant et du royaume de Belgique, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
Link to:
- (1309) demi-gros au chevalier (pillewille), Antwerp mint, Jean II
- (1312-55) gros au saint Pierre, Jean III
- (1329-37) demi-gros à l'écu, Louvain mint
- (1337-55) esterlin au châtel, Maastricht mint
- (1337) gros au châtel brabançon, Jean III
- Brabant (1338) 1/2 gros au type anglais, Jean III, Antwerp mint
- Coins and currency dated 1326