Spanish Netherlands – Brabant – 1/2 Patagon 1653 – Philip IV – Brussels Obverse: Crowned Burgundian cross formed by two crossed knotted staves. At the centre is the Burgundian firesteel, with the jewel of the Order of the Golden Fleece suspended below. The date 16 – 53 is divided on either side of the cross. Legend: PHIL · IIII · D · G · HISP · ET · INDIAR · REX Expanded: Philippus IIII Dei Gratia Hispaniarum et Indiarum Rex Translation: Philip IV, by the Grace of God, King of the Spains and the Indies. The angel’s head is the mint mark of Brussels. Reverse: Crowned composite coat of arms of Philip IV, surrounded by the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece. Legend: ARCHID · AVST · DVX · BVRG · BRAB · Z Expanded: Archidux Austriae, Dux Burgundiae, Brabantiae, etc. Translation: Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundy and Brabant, etc. Specifications: Issuing authority: Spanish Netherlands Territory: Duchy of Brabant Ruler: Philip IV Denomination: 1/2 Patagon Year: 1653 Mint: Brussels Mint mark: Angel’s head Material: Silver Fineness: .875 Weight: 13.34 g Technique: Hammered References: Delmonte 303; van Gelder & Hoc 330-3; De Witte 1027; Vanhoudt 646.BS; KM 46.6 Historical context: The patagon and its fractional denominations formed an important part of the silver currency of the Spanish Netherlands during the seventeenth century. This half patagon was issued for the Duchy of Brabant under Philip IV and struck at Brussels, identified by the angel’s-head mint mark. The Burgundian cross and the insignia of the Order of the Golden Fleece reflect the Burgundian-Habsburg heritage of the Southern Netherlands. Half patagons of Brussels dated 1653 are specifically documented in specialist numismatic catalogues and collections.