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1/2 Stuiver Silver, klippe
| Issuer | Leiden Siege Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 1574 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Hammered, Klippe |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse of this klippe presents the rampant lion of Holland passant within a beaded inner circle, depicted in a bold, archaic hammered style. The lion is shown facing left with a raised forepaw, rendered with characteristic vigor despite the emergency conditions of production. The date 74 (for 1574) appears in the field alongside the lion. The surrounding legend, running along the beaded border within the square flan, invokes divine mercy upon Holland, reflecting the desperate circumstances of the Leiden siege. |
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| Reverse lettering | HEERE × ONTBERMT × HOL ✿ 74 (Translation: The Lord spares Holland ... 1574) |
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| Additional information |
Leiden's siege mint operated under extraordinary conditions during the Spanish blockade of 1573–1574, one of the most brutal sieges of the Dutch Revolt. With no proper minting equipment available inside the besieged city, coins were struck on roughly cut square (klippe) blanks from whatever silver could be sourced — including cut church plate and personal donations. The garrison and civilian population were simultaneously dying of plague and starvation when these pieces were produced.
The "var" designation against HPM#Le 04.1 likely indicates a die difference or blank-cutting irregularity, neither of which is surprising given the improvised nature of production. No two klippe from this siege are truly identical.