Lot 837
Spanish Netherlands -- The Brabant. Ducaton, 1619 (Brussels). Dav-4428; Delm-249. Albert and Isabelle, 1598-1621. Conjoined busts right. Reverse: Crowned crest supported by compressed lions. Handsomely toned with bright hues of lilac and mauve against a darker gray base, the strike exceptional, producing superb dual portraits, therefore unusually choice for issue. NGC graded MS-61.
Albert and Isabella introduced two new silver coin denominations during their tenure. The second, the above ducaton, appeared in 1618. A heavy coin of finer alloy, it was tariffed at 60 stuivers. It and their lighter patagon flowed northward in vast quantities to Amsterdam and the other Dutch cities. Antwerp and the entire Spanish Netherlands was now in decline, with its trade ruined and being supplanted by Amsterdam. Yet there were such quantities of money at hand, plus whatever stored wealth that had managed to be preserved, that the city would support an important financial and banking community for another sixty years. The portraits seen here, with the monarchs dressed in heavy ruffs, is sheer Renaissance in execution and style.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
Ex Irving Goodman Collection.
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| Realized $3,105 |
