Tournai (1709) 20 sols
This specimen was lot 25002 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIUM. War of Spanish Succession. Siege of Tournai. 20 Sols, ND (1709). PCGS EF-45. Siege: 27 June - 3 September 1709. Square uniface flan with laureate bust of Marshal de Surville left; 20 above; castle below; Legend: M DE SURVILLE. This handsome example displays lovely old cabinet patina with a slight iridescent sheen amongst the devices. The stamp is well struck and nicely centered on a compact flan exhibiting even wear on the high points. This attractive obsidional issue offers a pleasing appearance and much originality that is sure to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters.
While the French were under attack by the Grand Alliance, in what turned out to be one of the bloodiest battles of the War of the Spanish Succession. Both sides suffered significant losses, nearly sustaining 10,000 casualties. The attack commenced on the night of 27 June and after an impressive 69 days of resistance the French finally surrendered."
This specimen was offered again as lot 71586 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, May 2023), where it sold for $660. The marshal also struck 2 and 8 sols during the siege.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 6.87 g, 28.2 mm x 22.8 mm.
Catalog reference: KM-8; Korchnak-593; Mailliet-pl. CXII #15; Vanhoudt-751; Delm-363; DeMay-3622; MO-4.3.7.1.
- Korchnak, Lawrence C., Siege Coins of the World, 1453-1902, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2021.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- 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]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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