Flanders (1489) 2 stuiver
This specimen was lot 975 in Jean Elsen sale 158 (Brussels, March 2024), where it sold for €320 (about US$416 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"VLAANDEREN, Graafschap, Gent in opstand tegen Maximiliaan (1488-1492), AR dubbel vuurijzer, z.j. (1489). Vz/ Vuurijzer tussen twee tegenover elkaar zittende leeuwen met daaronder GANDA. Omschrift eindigend op COMES FL'. Kz/ + FIAT PAX IN VIRTVTE TVA ET H' Vlaams leeuwenschild op een gebloemd kruis. Prachtig. Uit de verzameling Martiny en onze veiling 136, 24 maart 2018, 655. (county of Flanders, city of Ghent in rebellion against Maximilian of Austria, 1488-92, undated double stuiver, circa 1489. Obverse: firesteel between two seated lions, with "GANDA" below; reverse: Flemish lion on a shield over a floriate cross. Extremely Fine.)"
In the late fifteenth century, the county of Flanders was the wealthiest region in northern Europe. The death of duke Charles the Rash, in 1477, allowed the county to pass to the Hapsburgs. This coin was issued by the city of Ghent in rebellion against Austrian emperor Maximilian.
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver or billon, this specimen 3,04 g.
Catalog reference: G.H. 146b; Martiny, Gent, 147-1; VH 177.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
- 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 158, Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
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