Gelderland 1496 teston
This specimen was lot 21 in Sincona sale 5 (Zürich, May 2012), where it sold for 17,000 CHF (about US$20,919 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"NIEDERLANDE Geldern, Herzogtum Karl von Egmond, 1492-1538. Teston o. J. (1496). Dickstück im doppelten Gewicht. Av. * kAROL‘ * DVX * GELRIE * IVL‘* COM‘* ZVT‘ Geharnischtes Brustbild mit Barett nach links, zu den Seiten Ringel mit Punkt. Rv. EQVITAS * IVD – CIA * TVA * DOMI‘ Wappen von Geldern mit hoher Helmzier. Von allergrösster Seltenheit, zweites bekanntes Exemplar. Sehr schön. (Duchy of Gelderland, Charles of Egmont, 1492-1538, undated teston of double thickness. Obverse: armored bust with hat to left with two points in field. Reverse: helmeted arms of Gelderland. Of the highest rarity, two known, very fine.)"
This coin is not a thaler but a teston of double thickness. It is not mentioned in Davenport. It was issued prior to the Dutch revolt against the Spanish so we have filed it under the Spanish Netherlands altho Spanish rule did not really commence until the accession of Charles V in 1516.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver; this specimen is 28,39 g.
Catalog reference: Delmonte 514.
- [1]Numismatic Coins, Medals, Banknotes & Books: Auction 6, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2012.
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