Ghent 1581 12 mite
This specimen was lot 1156 in Jean Elsen sale 147 (Brussels, June 2021), where it sold for €90 (about US$132 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"VLAANDEREN, Gent in opstand tegen Philips II (1581-1584), Cu 12 mijten, 1581. Met wapen van Philips II. Vz/ *XII*GHENT*/ 1581 Klimmende leeuw n. l. Kz/ PACE ET IVSTITIA Gekroond wapenschild omringd door het halssnoer van het Gulden Vlies. Lichte korrosiesporen. Zeer Fraai et Prachtig. (county of Flanders, Ghent in revolt against Philip II, 1581-84, copper twelve mites of 1581, with the arms of Philip II. Obverse: lion rampant left; reverse: crowned arms with the Order of the Golden Fleece around. Light corrosion, Very Fine-Extremely Fine.)"
This rare type was issued during one of Ghent's many revolts against outside authority. Ghent was already declining in importance when the rebellion started but never recovered her position after Philip II devastated it in 1584. Her harbor silted up and trade shifted to the north.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, this specimen 6,46 g.
Catalog reference: Gilleman 6; V.H. 395; Martiny, Gent, 158.
- 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 147: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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