Netherlands, Maastricht Oord 1591 (No reserve price)

Demi-liard (Gigot) 1591 – Philip II

Southern Netherlands · Brabant · Maastricht

An intriguing copper demi-liard or gigot from 1591, struck in Maastricht under Philip II. Despite the context of being a find from the ground, the original relief has remained strikingly well preserved. Especially the portrait and the crowned coat of arms emerge clearly from the coin surface, giving this more-than-four-centuries-old specimen a distinctly historical character.

Front

Centered the crowned bust of Philip II, facing to the right.

Around it are still recognizable important parts of the original legend. The crown, facial features and clothing of the sovereign are, despite their time in the ground, clearly in relief.

Reverse

Centered a large crowned coat of arms, composed of the different dynastic arms of Philip II.

Here too the main depiction is strongly preserved, with clearly visible crown, shield divisions and heraldic elements.

Specifications

Area: Southern Netherlands
Duchy: Brabant
Ruler: Philip II
Reign: 1555–1598
Mint: Maastricht
Year: 1591
Nominal value: Demi-liard · Gigot
Metal: Copper

Special feature

This specimen comes from the ground and bears visible traces of that origin. There is, on the other hand, that the coin portrait for a find from the ground is remarkably strong in relief.

In particular the princely portrait and the large crowned coat of arms still possess a surprisingly sharp edge and give the coin a lot of character. The irregular coin plan and the surface formed by centuries further reinforce its authentic character.

Historical context

The coin was struck in 1591 during the reign of Philip II, in the middle of the Eighty Years’ War. Maastricht had, in this period, a special strategic significance. After the city was taken in 1579 by the troops of Alexander Farnese, it remained under Spanish-Habsburg authority.

This small copper coin thus belongs to the local currency of Maastricht in a period when the Netherlands were politically and militarily deeply divided.

A characterful Maastricht gigot from 1591, with despite its centuries-long stay in the ground a remarkably well-preserved relief and a strong historical appearance.