1/4 Snaphaan / 11/2 Stuiver 'Peerdeke' Piedfort

Historical Context: Issued in 1582, this 1/4 Snaphaan / 11/2 Stuiver 'Peerdeke' Piedfort from the City of Zutphen emerged during the tumultuous Eighty Years' War. Zutphen, a strategically vital city in the Duchy of Gelre, was a flashpoint in the conflict between the rebellious United Provinces and Hapsburg Spain under Philip II. Having been recaptured by the States of Gelre in 1578 after the infamous 1572 'Bloodbath,' the city was under constant threat. This coinage reflects the urgent need for circulating currency amidst war, often characterized by debasement. The 'Piedfort' designation, signifying a double-weight strike, is highly unusual for a necessity issue like the 'Snaphaan' or 'Peerdeke,' suggesting it may have served a special purpose, perhaps as a presentation piece or an official prototype, rather than general circulation.

Artistry: Specific engraver attribution for emergency civic coinage of this period, particularly from Zutphen, is virtually non-existent. The stylistic school is pragmatic and functional, typical of wartime necessity issues in the Low Countries. Designs often feature a simplified rendition of a horse (the 'Peerdeke') and/or the city's arms, which for Zutphen typically involved a lion. Legends are often abbreviated and can be crude. While the 'Piedfort' nature implies a more deliberate production than standard emergency issues, the aesthetic quality would still prioritize legibility and functionality over intricate artistic detail. The dies would likely have been cut locally, reflecting the prevailing, somewhat provincial, numismatic art of the region under duress.

Technical/Grading: For this billon 'Peerdeke' Piedfort, key grading high-points include the definition of the central devices, typically a horse and rider or a shield with city arms. Look for full detail on the horse's head, legs, and any rider's accoutrements. On the reverse, clarity of the legend, date, and any value mark is paramount, as these are often weakly struck or worn. Given the billon composition, planchet quality can vary, and corrosion is common. A strong, even strike across the entire thicker piedfort planchet is desirable but often elusive. The exceptional thickness and weight (6.51 gg) distinguishing it as a piedfort must be unequivocally evident, as this is its defining characteristic.