Brabant (1603-10)(s) real
This specimen was lot 889 in Jean Elsen sale 164 (Brussels, March 2026), where it sold for €150 (about US$209 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BRABANT, Duché, Albert et Isabelle (1598-1621), AR réal d'argent (5 patards), s.d. (1603-1610), Maastricht. D/ Écu couronné, entouré du collier de la Toison d'or. R/ Croix de Bourgogne sous une couronne, entre les initiales A-E. Très rare. Rogné. presque Très Beau. (duchy of Brabant, Albert and Isabella, 1598-1621, undated silver real, circa 1603-10, Maastricht mint. Obverse: crowned arms, order chain around; reverse: Burgundian cross under a crown, dividing the initials "A - E". Very rare, clipped, about Very Fine.)"
This obscure type was also struck at Antwerp, Tournai and Bois-le-Duc. Quarter, half and three reales also exist. This series was abandoned in the reform of 1612 which introduced the ducaton and patagon and their fractions.
Recorded mintage: 52,491 from Maastricht plus 5,327,343 from Antwerp plus 14,933 from Bois-le-Duc.
Specification: 3.06 g, 0.896 fine silver, 26 mm diameter; this specimen 2,34 g.
Catalog reference: KM 25.2, G.H. 293-2; W. 970; VH 595.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- van Gelder, H. Enno, and Marcel Hoc, Les Monnaies des pays-Bas Bourguignons et Espagnols, 1434-1713, Amsterdam, J. Schulman, 1960, with supplement of 1964.
- [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.
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