Franche Comte 1598 carolus
This specimen was lot 994 in Jean Elsen sale 109 (Brussels, June 2011) where it sold for 80 euros ($135 including buyer's fee). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCHE-COMTE, Philippe II (1555-1598), billon carolus, 1598, Dole. Droit: B. couronné à gauche. Revers: Ecu franc-comtois. Très Beau (Franche Comte, Philip II of Spain, 1555-98, billon carolus of 1598, Dole mint. Obverse: crowned bust facing left; reverse: arms of the county. Very Fine.)"
Altho Franche Comte is today a region of France to the east of Burgundy, in the sixteenth century it was firmly part of the Holy Roman Empire and was ruled by the Spanish branch of the Hapsburgs in the person of the grim Philip II.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: billon (low grade silver), 1,65 g.
Catalog reference: B., -; P.A., 5308 var; Numisdole R20.
- 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, Vente Publique 109, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses fils, S.A., 2011.
Link to: