Catalog
| Issuer | Holland, County of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1562-1567 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/2 Daalder (⅞) |
| Currency | Gulden (1506-1581) |
| Composition | Silver (.833) |
| Weight | 17.1 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | GH#211-11a, Delmonte S#71 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Philip II right. Mint mark below bust. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
PHILIPPVS • D : G • HISP Z • REX • CO • HOL • • ✿ • (Translation: Philip, King of Spain and Count of Holland by the grace of God) |
| Reverse description | Crowned coat of arms on St Andrew cross, flanked by two firesteels. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
DOMINVS • MIHI ADIVTOR (Translation: The Lord is my helper) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
✿ Dordrecht, Netherlands(1190-1806) |
| Mintage |
ND (1562-1567) ✿ - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1012079850 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1/2 Daalder, known as a '1/2 Philipsdaalder', was issued by the County of Holland under Philip II of Spain between 1562 and 1567. This era immediately preceded the Eighty Years' War. Philip II's centralizing and Catholic enforcement policies fueled widespread discontent. This coinage represents the final years of relatively unchallenged Habsburg authority in Holland, underscoring the economic stability and minting autonomy still present under Spanish rule before the full eruption of conflict.
Artistry: The obverse features a finely rendered bust of Philip II facing right, a classic motif in Renaissance portraiture. While the engraver remains anonymous, the style reflects prevailing European Renaissance artistic conventions of the mid-16th century, emphasizing regal dignity and a stylized likeness. The design aimed to project the monarch's authority. The reverse typically displayed the crowned shield of the Low Countries or a similar heraldic device, surrounded by Latin legends proclaiming Philip's titles.
Technical/Grading: For this substantial silver coin, key high-points susceptible to wear include the highest curls of Philip II's hair, his ear, cheekbone, and the prominent folds of his ruff or armor. A strong strike reveals crisp details in these areas. Common technical characteristics of the era include minor planchet imperfections, slight off-centerness, or varying strike pressure, leading to weaker details. The specified .833 silver purity and 17.1 gram weight are crucial metrics for assessing authenticity and condition.