Ghent 1584 4 mites
This specimen was lot 1059 in Jean Elsen sale 159 (Brussels, June 2024), where it sold for €80 (about US$103 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"VLAANDEREN, Gent in opstand tegen Philips II (1581-1584), Cu 4 mijten, 1584. Vz/ Grote gekroonde G. Kz/ Gekroond leeuwenschild tussen 4-M. bijna Zeer Fraai. (county of Flanders, city of Ghent in rebellion against Philip II, 1581-84, copper four mites of 1584. Obverse: large crowned "G"; reverse: crowned lion shield divides the date. About very fine.)"
This 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. Roberts comments, "The mite of Flanders was valued at 1/24 gros or 1/8 of an English penny.... The mite of Brabant was valued at only 1/36 gros, making its 4-mite piece 1/3 of a penny."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, this specimen 2,38 g.
Catalog reference: Gilleman 41; VH 454; Martiny, Gent, 188.
- 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 159, Collection Harry Dewit, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
Link to:
- Ghent 1581 6 mites
- Ghent 1581 12 mite
- Ghent (15)82 12 mite
- Ghent 1583 6 mites, "S·P·Q·G·" reverse
- Ghent (15)83 12 mites, François d'Alençon
- Ghent (15)83 12 mite, "S·P·Q·G·" reverse
- Ghent 1583 8 stuiver
- Bruges 1584 6 stuiver
- Ghent 1584 8 stuiver
- Coins and currency dated 1584