Charles II of Spain — under whose authority Luxembourg was administered as part of the Spanish Netherlands — died in November 1700, the same year this gros was struck, triggering the War of the Spanish Succession almost immediately. Coins issued in his name from the Luxembourg mint that year were among the last before the province was drawn into prolonged conflict over Habsburg inheritance claims.
The billon standard used here reflects chronic silver shortages in the Spanish Netherlands during the late 17th century, with fineness reduced progressively across successive issues.
Charles II of Spain — under whose authority Luxembourg was administered as part of the Spanish Netherlands — died in November 1700, the same year this gros was struck, triggering the War of the Spanish Succession almost immediately. Coins issued in his name from the Luxembourg mint that year were among the last before the province was drawn into prolonged conflict over Habsburg inheritance claims.
The billon standard used here reflects chronic silver shortages in the Spanish Netherlands during the late 17th century, with fineness reduced progressively across successive issues.