Netherlands, Kampen Arendschelling 1612 (No reserve price)

Republic of the United Netherlands – Overijssel, City of Kampen

Arendschelling 1612 – Matthias I (1612–1619)

Arendschelling, struck at Kampen in 1612 during the reign of Emperor Matthias I.

Obverse: Crowned double-headed imperial eagle within a pearl circle. Inscription: MATHI•I•D•G•ELEC•RO•IMP•SEM•AVGV – “Matthias I, by the grace of God elected Holy Roman Emperor, ever exalted.”

Reverse: Crowned shield of Castile, León and Granada, placed on a cross of gnarled staffs, within a pearl circle. Inscription: MO•ARG•IMPERI•CIVITA•CAMPEN – “Silver coin of the Free City of Kampen.”

Variant: With MATHI in the obverse inscription and a retrograde N in CAMPEN on the reverse. Struck under mint master Johan or Hendrik Wijntgens.

References: Verkade 896 (text); HPM 47; HNPM 47; CNM 2.30.66.

The combination of the MATHI-variant, the distinctive retrograde N in CAMPEN, the sharp strike, and the above-average preservation makes this an exceptionally representative specimen of the Kampen arendschelling of 1612.