1 Duit - Philip IV Arms

Historical Context: The 1659 1 Duit coin from Roermond was issued under the authority of Philip IV, King of Spain, who reigned over the vast Spanish Empire, including the Spanish Netherlands, from 1621 to 1665. Roermond, as a strategic city within this dominion, minted coinage reflecting its allegiance. The year 1659 marked the conclusion of the long-running Franco-Spanish War with the Treaty of the Pyrenees, a period of significant political and economic upheaval. This copper duit served as vital low-denomination currency, facilitating daily commerce and underscoring Spanish administrative and monetary control over the region during a pivotal moment in European history.

Artistry: While the specific engraver for such common copper issues from Roermond remains largely anonymous, the coin’s design adheres to the functional yet emblematic stylistic conventions of the mid-17th century Baroque period. The obverse prominently displays the Royal Arms of Philip IV, typically crowned and featuring the quartered arms of Castile, León, Aragon, and Sicily, with Granada in base and an escutcheon for Portugal. This heraldic emphasis unequivocally communicates the issuer's sovereign power. The reverse would likely bear a simple cross, the city arms of Roermond, or a date/denomination, executed with a focus on legibility rather than elaborate ornamentation, consistent with its utilitarian purpose.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, this 1.3-gram, 20-millimeter duit typically exhibits characteristics common to mass-produced, low-denomination coinage of the era. High-points most susceptible to wear include the crown atop the royal arms, the intricate details within the shield’s quarterings, and the raised elements of any surrounding legend or date. Due to the striking methods of the period, collectors frequently encounter variations in strike quality, including minor off-center strikes, areas of weak impression, and planchet irregularities. These features are often considered inherent to the coin’s production rather than significant defects, reflecting the practical nature of its manufacture.