Netherlands, Utrecht 1/2 Rozenobel 1601

Northern Netherlands – Republic of the United Netherlands (1581–1795) Utrecht

Material: gold (992/1000)

Mintmark: city shield of Utrecht
Mint master: Hendrik Hendriksz. van Domselaar
Engraver: Claes Petersz. van de Vogelaer

References:
Delmonte 960 | Verkade 97.4 | Van der Wiel L 1 (JMP 1991, p. 108–110) | HNPM 22 | CNM 2.43.33 | Friedberg 279 (R)

Description:
Front: A crowned sovereign standing in a ship, holding sword and shield; on the ship’s hull a rose. The shield shows a quarterly coat of arms with the Stichtse lion (quarters 1 and 4) and the city arms of Utrecht (quarters 2 and 3). Six‑sided bow; at the stern a banner with a climbing lion. Inscription:
∙:∙MONE•NO•VA•ORDIN•TRAIECTEN•∙ (Moneta nova ordinis Traiectensis),
“New coin of the province of Utrecht.”

Reverse: A radiate sun crown with a rose at the heart, resting on a floral cross; in the cantons a running leopard under a crown. Mintmark between lozenges with four points, directly above a flower of the cross. Between inner circle and eight-turn ring are eight pearls. Inscription:
∙:∙CONCORDIA∙:∙RES∙:∙PARVAE∙:∙CRESCVNT∙:∙,
“Through concord small things grow” (freely translated: “Unity makes strength”).

Historical context:
The Dutch ½ rozenobel is a late imitation of the English half-rousable? rozenobel of Edward IV (1461–1470). Due to international trade this type was very popular, making imitation attractive. At issue, the rate stood at 4 guilders and 2½ stuivers; as is customary for gold coins, it was subject to fluctuations. In total 188,881 pieces of this coin type were minted.

Condition and rarity:
Rare. Very slight strike weaknesses, yet a particularly beautiful specimen with sharp details and a very attractive appearance.