Ghent 1581 6 mites
This specimen was lot 1362 in Jean Elsen sale 153 (Brussels, December 2022), where it sold for €420 (about US$531 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"VLAANDEREN, Gent in opstand tegen Philips II (1581-1584), Cu 6 mijten, 1581. Met wapen van Philips II. Vz/ *VI*GHENT*/ 1581 Klimmende leeuw l. Kz/ PACE ET IVSTITIA Gekroond en versierd wapenschild. Met smale wapenschild. Zeer Fraai à Prachtig. (county of Flanders, Philip II, 1555-98, city of Ghent in rebellion, copper six mites of 1581, with the arms of Philip II. Obverse: lion rampant left; reverse: crowned arms in ornate cartouche. With small shield, 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. From the weight, we're going to guess that this coin was worth half a liard.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper; this specimen is 2,84 g.
Catalog reference: Gilleman 9; Martiny, Gent, 159-2 (small letters); V.H. 397.
- 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 153, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2022.
Link to:
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