Liege (1456-66) brule
This specimen was lot 897 in Jean Elsen sale 158 (Brussels, March 2024), where it sold for €65 (about US$85 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"LIEGE, Principauté, Louis de Bourbon (1456-1482), Cu brûlé, s.d. (1456-1466). Au titre d'élu de Liège. D/ (lis) LVDOVICVS ELEC LEODIEN Armes de Bourbon en plein champ. R/ (lis) MONETA LVDO ELECTI LEON Croix pattée cantonnée de quatre lis. Très Beau. (prince-bishopric of Liège, Louis of Bourbon, 1456-82, undated copper brulé, struck in the name of the bishop-elect. Obverse: arms of Bourbon in a plain field; reverse: cross pattée cantonned with four lilies. Very Fine.)"
The term brûlé is more of a nickname than a denomination and referred to a number of different low value copper coins such as sous, deniers, duits and liards. Most were carelessly made, with bad strikes on crude planchets being normal. Louis de Bourbon, nephew of Philip the Good of Burgundy, was installed as bishop by the duke over the objections of the current tenant, who was forced to resign, and the wishes of the people of Liège. The resulting tumult erupted into war several times and Louis was finally murdered by a local robber baron, William de la Marck.
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, this specimen 1,99 g.
Catalog reference: Chestret 363; Dengis 690.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 158, Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
Link to: