Besançon. Charles V. 1/4 Teston 1623

[NGC TOP POP] Philip IV (1621-1665). 1/4 thaler (double gros). 1623. Besançon. (Tauler-3000). (Vti-1644). Cupronickel. 2.95 g. NGC AU55.
Philip IV (1621-1665). 1/4 thaler (double gros). 1623. Besançon. (Tauler-3000). (Vti-1644). Silver. 2.95 g. NGC AU55.

Full original brilliance. Magnificent specimen. Fine hairline across the field and obverse rim flaw below the bust. Coin encapsulated by NGC as AU55, (8583867-009). [NGC TOP POP]

Fractional coin of the County of Burgundy under the Austrians: this 1/4 thaler (double gros) from Besançon, 1623, belongs to a scarce and highly sought emission among specialists. Stands out for its original luster and a clean strike for the denomination, with a presence far beyond what is typical for pieces intended for small circulation. Graded by NGC at AU55 with the [Top Pop] seal, it sits at the pinnacle of the census for this combination.

- Elite condition: NGC AU55 [Top Pop] — highest grade recorded for this type/year at the time of encapsulation.

- Visual appeal: original brilliance in fields and devices; well-presented strike and legible legends for the denomination.

- Market rarity: Besançon fractions are markedly rarer than larger modules and rarely appear at AU.

- Historical context: a key coin for regional trade along the Spanish Road at the beginning of Philip IV’s reign.

Besançon was an Imperial Free City within the Holy Roman Empire, although the County of Burgundy belonged to the Hispanic Monarchy. Its striking privilege came from Charles V, and by tradition (and legal authority) the mint maintained for decades a “frozen type”: it continued to use its name and legend on the coins long after its reign, even in the time of Philip IV. In other words, the coin asserts the original imperial legitimacy of the privilege, not the reigning king.