1 Peerdeke - Albert and Isabella Roermond

Historical Context: The 1 Peerdeke of 1617 was issued under Archduke Albert VII and Archduchess Isabella Clara Eugenia, joint rulers of the Spanish Netherlands. Minted in Roermond, a significant city within the Duchy of Guelders, this coin reflects their authority in a Habsburg-controlled region. The issue falls within or just after the Twelve Years' Truce (1609-1621), a period of economic stabilization. The "Peerdeke" (little horse) was a common local denomination, reflecting regional monetary traditions.

Artistry: The 1 Peerdeke's design aligns with late Renaissance and early Baroque numismatic styles prevalent in the Low Countries. While the specific Roermond engraver is unrecorded, the obverse typically features the conjoined busts of Albert and Isabella, rendered with dignified, stylized features. The reverse invariably displays a horse, the eponymous "peerdeke," often within an armorial context, symbolizing the duchy or denomination. Artistic execution, constrained by the billon medium, prioritized clear legibility over intricate detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 26mm flan from billon (.313 silver) and weighing 2.34 grams, the 1 Peerdeke exhibits specific technical qualities. High-points for wear and strike include the Archdukes' hair and crowns, and the horse's head and legs. Due to the low silver content and period minting, examples often display planchet imperfections, uneven strikes, and off-centering. These factors, coupled with alloy degradation, mean sharp, fully struck specimens are scarce, often showing areas of weakness or flatness.