Flanders (1380-83) 2 groat
The first specimen was lot 1016 in Jean Elsen sale 159 (Brussels, June 2024), where it sold for €70 (about US$90 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"VLAANDEREN, Graafschap, Lodewijk van Male (1346-1384), AR dubbele groot (plak), 5e uitgifte (1380-1383), Mechelen. Met klaverblad, hoekige unciale E en interpunctie door 2 punten. Vz/ Zittende leeuw n. l. met toernooihelm. Kz/ Kort gebloemd kruis met dubbel omschrift. Zeer Fraai. (county of Flanders, Louis of Male, 1346-84, silver double groat or plaque, fifth emission of 1380-83, Mechelin mint, With trefoil, angular uncial E and punctuation by 2 points. Obverse: Seated lion left with tournament helmet. Reverse: Short floral cross with double inscription. Very fine.)"
The second specimen was lot 1245 in Jean Elsen sale 163 (Brussels, November 2025), where it sold for €220 (about US$254 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[2] noted,
"VLAANDEREN, Graafschap, Lodewijk van Male (1346-1384), AR dubbele groot (plak), 5e uitgifte (1380-1383), Mechelen. Met klaverblad, hoekige unciale E en interpunctie door 2 punten. Vz/ Zittende leeuw n. l. met toernooihelm. Kz/ Kort gebloemd kruis met dubbel omschrift. Op een brede muntplaat. (county of Flanders, Louis de Male, 1346-84, silver double groat or plaque, fifth issue, circa 1380-83, Mechelen mint. With trefoil, angular uncial E and punctuation by 2 points. Obverse: Seated lion left with tournament helmet. Reverse: Short floral cross with double inscription. Struck on a broad planchet, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
Louis II abandoned his father's pro-French policy and tried to steer a neutral course in the Hundred Years War, altho his reign was troubled by numerous urban revolts. His daughter Margaret married Philip, younger brother of the king of France and the new duke of Burgundy. On Louis's death, Flanders and Brabant were finally united.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, the first specimen is 3,95 g. The second specimen is 4,08 g.
Catalog reference: Gaill. 224; Elsen 30; Goddeeris 77, E; Martiny, Gent, 40-5.
- 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 159, Collection Harry Dewit, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
- [2]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 163, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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