Gronsveld (15)36 4 heller
This specimen was lot 1337 in Jean Elsen sale 160 (Brussels, November 2024), where it sold for €460 (about US$582 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"GRONSVELD, Jan I van Bronckhorst (1508-1559), Cu 4 heller, 1636. Vz/ Tweekoppige adelaar, daaronder 3-[6]. Kz/ (wapentje van Gronsveld) MOV BEC IИ GC Waarde IIII in een binnencirkel. Zeer zeldzaam. Fraai à Zeer Fraai. (Gronsveld, John I of Bronckhorst, 1508-59, copper four heller of 1636. Obverse: double headed eagle, two digit date below; reverse: Gronsveld arms and value. Very scarce, fine to very fine.)"
We think the auctioneers erred and intended to date this coin as 1536, not 1636, generations after Jan van Bronckhorst's death. Gronsveld is today a village in the county of Limburg in the kingdom of the Netherlands, southeast of Maastricht. In the sixteenth century, the local robber barons issued debased coinage which were denounced by their neighbors for their bad alloy.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, this specimen is 1,31 g.
Catalog reference: Lucas 132 var.; P.& W. 9123.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 160, Collection de deniers liegeois et Collection de monnaies d'or francaises, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
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