Netherlands – 1872 Brielle (Den Briel) – 300th Anniversary of the 1572 Liberation White Metal Commemorative Medal – 41 mm Offered here is an original white-metal commemorative medal issued in 1872 to celebrate the third centenary of the liberation of the city of Brielle by the “Watergeuzen” (Sea Beggars) on 1 April 1572, one of the key symbolic events that sparked the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. These medals were produced for the national and local festivities held across the Netherlands to honor the beginning of Dutch independence. ⸻ Obverse Allegorical scene representing Freedom and Victory, with classical figures and symbols of the Dutch struggle against oppression. Legend: LAUDEN VRYHEID STEGEN UIT DE WATEREN… At exergue: VRYE STACE (“Free State”). ⸻ Reverse Coats of arms of Brielle, crowned. Inscription: HERINNERING AAN HET DERDE EEUWFEEST – 1 APRIL 1872 – BRIELLE (“In memory of the third centenary – 1 April 1872 – Brielle”) Date at center: 1572 ⸻ Material White metal (tin–lead alloy). Not silver. ⸻ Diameter 41 mm ⸻ Condition Very fine for this fragile type. Light handling wear, minor marks, and natural toning typical of white-metal medals from the 19th century. A clean and well-preserved example compared to most surviving pieces. ⸻ Historical Interest This medal celebrates a turning point in Dutch history — the symbolic beginning of the Dutch War of Independence and the emergence of the Dutch Republic. A collectible piece of national history.