Tournai 1611 1/2 real
This specimen was lot 892 in Jean Elsen sale 149 (Brussels, December 2021), where it sold for €160 (about US$217 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"TOURNAI, Seigneurie, Albert et Isabelle (1598-1621), billon demi-réal, 1611. D/ Ecu d'Autriche-Bourgogne couronné, posé sur une croix de Bourgogne, accosté de la date. R/ Briquet couronné, orné du bijou de la Toison d'or. Rare. presque Très Beau. (lordship of Tournai, Albert and Isabella, 1598-1621, billon half real of 1611. Obverse: crowned arms of Austria-Burgundy over a Burgundian cross, dividing the date; reverse: crowned briquet decorated with a jewel of the Golden Fleece. Rare, about Very Fine.)"
This type was struck 1607-11 and is scarce. A similar half real was struck in Brabant (KM 31) and Flanders (KM 9). One réal d'argent was five sols.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.48 g, .396 fine silver, this specimen 3,08 g.
Catalog reference: KM 13, G.H. 294-7; Hoc 391; V.H. 596.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- 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]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 149: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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