Liege (1556-57) 4 patards
This specimen was lot 1079 in Jean Elsen sale 156 (Brussels, September 2023), where it sold for €3,200 (about US$4,106 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"LIEGE, Principauté, Georges d'Autriche (1544-1557), AR quatre patards, s.d. (1556-1557), Hasselt. Au titre de Charles Quint. D/ Cartouche orné aux armes de l'évêque, posé sur une croix feuillue. R/ Aigle impériale éployée et couronnée. De la plus haute rareté. Fine griffe au droit. Sur flan large. Belle patine. Très Beau à Superbe. (principality of Liège, George of Austria, 1544-57, undated silver four patards, circa 1556-57, Hasselt mint, struck in the name of Charles V. Obverse: arms of the bishop in an ornate cartouche over a leafy cross; reverse: crowned imperial eagle. Of the highest rarity, fine scratch on the obverse, large planchet, beautiful patina, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
The bishopric of Liège was an ecclesiastical state in central Belgium and usually ruled by a Hapsburg client. The surrounding territory was ruled by the Spanish Hapsburgs from about 1500 until 1699 and the Austrian Hapsburgs 1714-97.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen is 5,40 g.
Catalog reference: Chestret 492; coll. Piat -; Dengis 900 (three examples reported).
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 156, Collection de Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
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