Ghent 1583 6 mites
This specimen was lot 1276 in Jean Elsen sale 163 (Brussels, November 2025), where it sold for €320 (about US$370 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"VLAANDEREN, Gent in opstand tegen Philips II (1581-1584), Cu 6 mijten, december 1583. Vz/ *VI*GHENT*/ 1583 Klimmende leeuw n. l. Kz/ Gekroond wapenschild met schuinbalk waarin S·P·Q·G·, tussen twee gekroonde G. Zeldzaam. Lichte korrosiesporen. (county of Flanders, Ghent in revolt against Philip II, 1581-84, copper six mites, December 1583. Obverse: lion rampant left; reverse: crowned arms lettered "S·P·Q·G·" between two crowned "G's". Rare, lightly corroded, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)
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. This type was struck during the rebellion but after François d'Alençon was invited to leave. Roberts comments, "The mite of Flanders was valued at 1/24 gros or 1/8 of an English penny."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.7 g, copper, 23 mm diameter, this specimen is 2,80 g.
Catalog reference: Gilleman 36; VH 453; Martiny, Gent, 183.
- 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 163, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
Link to:
- Ghent 1581 6 mites
- Ghent (15)83 12 mites, François d'Alençon
- Ghent (15)83 12 mite, "S·P·Q·G·" reverse
- Bruges 1583 6 stuiver = schelling
- Ghent 1583 8 stuiver
- Coins and currency dated 1583