Groningen 1591 duit token
This specimen was lot 1229 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €220 (about US$305 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"NEDERLAND, GRONINGEN, Stad, Cu raadsteken, 1591. Eenzijdig. Vz/ Dubbele adelaar boven stadswapen en jaartal. Vlekjes kopergroen. (Netherlands, city of Groningen, copper council token of 1591, uniface. Obverse: double headed eagle over the city arms dividing the date. Spots of verdigris, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
This appears to be a token issued by the city council but we don't know its intended value. The province of Groningen went over to the republic during the States Revolt but the city itself remained under Spanish control from 1580. It took a five year campaign by the Dutch forces to capture its environs and the city was not formally besieged until May 1594. The Spanish surrendered in late July and marched out, leaving the Dutch in control of the north.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, this specimen 3,84 g.
Catalog reference: Mailliet 44, 5; CNM 2.21.34.
- Korchnak, Lawrence C., Siege Coins of the World, 1453-1902, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2021.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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