| Émetteur | Amsterdam, Siege of |
|---|---|
| Année | 1578 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Valeur | 40 Stuivers (2) |
| Devise | Gulden (1581-1795) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 27.0 g |
| Diamètre | |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Square with angled corners |
| Technique | Klippe |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Delmonte S#204 |
| Description de l’avers | Crowned city arms of Amsterdam, stamped monogram above, stamped date and value in Roman numerals below. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers | PG 1578 XL |
| Description du revers | Blank. |
| Écriture du revers | |
| Légende du revers | |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
1578 - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1006534650 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: The 1578 40 Stuivers PG is a pivotal artifact from the "Alteratie van Amsterdam" during the Dutch Revolt. Until 1578, Amsterdam remained a Spanish loyalist city. The "Alteratie" saw the overthrow of its Catholic magistracy, aligning the city with the Protestant States of Holland. This emergency coinage, issued by the newly independent municipal government, financed defense and integration into the broader Dutch struggle against Habsburg rule, marking its definitive commitment to the nascent Republic.
Artistry: As an emergency issue, the 40 Stuivers PG exhibits a utilitarian aesthetic typical of wartime coinage. Specific engraver details are generally unrecorded for these municipal issues. The style reflects the broader late Renaissance numismatic tradition of the Low Countries, often simplified due to exigency. The prominent "PG" monogram, likely for a mint or assay master, prioritized fiscal integrity and metallic content assurance over elaborate artistry, characteristic of emergency issues.
Technical/Grading: For this type, critical grading includes planchet quality, often presenting irregularities, laminations, or crude preparation. Strike is often inconsistent; assess clarity of central devices, particularly the "PG" monogram and date, and legibility of legends. The specified 27.0 grams is crucial for authenticity and full value, as debasement/clipping were common. Sharpness of inner details and minimal wear on high points are desirable, though challenging given emergency origins.