United Belgian States - Republic CU Jeton - States of Flanders celebrate the return of freedom - engraved by Th. van Berckel - copper - Brussels mint - 1790 Obv.: Legend in ten lines, within laurel wreath: JVGO / AVSTRIACO / EXCVSSO / RELIGIONIS ET / PATRIAE / LIBERTATE / VENDICATA / SOLI DEO / HONOR / 1789 (transl.: "The Austrian yoke has been shaken off, freedom of religion and country regained, glory to God alone, 1789" Rev.: Legend and date in five lines, within laurel wreath: EX / DECRETO / COMITIORVM / FLANDRIAE / I790 (transl.: "By decree of the committee of Flanders, 1790") Edge: obliquely milled Technique: milled Weight: 11,70 g Diameter: 33,00 mm Condition: Choice GEF Catalogue references: Feuardent 14063 Historic context: At the end of 1789, a rebellion broke out against the authoritarian regime of Joseph II. The Austrian troops had to withdraw across the Meuse to Luxembourg and the Republic of the United Belgian States was proclaimed. The inauguration of the States of Brabant took place in January 1790. The Council of Flanders also met in a festive session on January 4, 1790 in Ghent. On the occasion of this ceremony, this medal was struck in silver and bronze and engraved by Théodore van Berckel, engraver at the Brussels Mint during the Austrian period, who was willing to continue working for the new State. The medal was distributed to the prominent people of the city and for the ordinary population, instead of handouts, a distribution of loaves of bread was provided to the poor in the 17 parishes of the city. (N447A)