1083523 | NETHERLANDS. Zeeland. 1572 AR Klippe Thaler of 36 Stuivers. NGC AU50. 47.5mm. 29.26gm. + .D. R. P. F. MIDD .(date). Legend on two-lines with date below all within circle; countermark shields of arms of Zeeland and Middelburg to either side / (blank). Delmonte 165; MO.4.17.17.1; Maillet pl. LXXXIII, n° 2; VH.460.

Struck during the siege of Middelburg, December 1572 to February 1574.

Ex Émile Bourgey Auction (4-5 May, 1972) Lot 322. Sold at the time for 1050 Francs. Housed in an oversized holder. Includes old collector ticket and envelope.


Please use this link to verify the NGC certification number 8237552006




In 1572, many towns in Zeeland rose up against Spanish authority and pledged allegiance to the ruler of Holland, William of Orange. The province's main city, Middelburg, fearing the loss of privileges, remained loyal to Ferdinand Alvaro of Toledo, known as the Duke of Alba, governor of the Spanish Netherlands. It thus found itself blocked by the secessionist towns and its siege lasted from December 1572 to February 19, 1574. The city's governor requisitioned the gold and silver belongings of the municipality first, then of the citizens, and finally of the church, allowing him to mint coins and to pay his troops. Their Spanish protectors having suffered several defeats, the citizens of Middelburg finally agreed to submit to the House of Orange, which ensured the troops were sent back to Flanders and allowed the Catholics to leave the city.