Daalder 'Leeuwendaalder' Lion with shield divides date

Historical Context: The Zwolle Leeuwendaalder (1637-1639) hails from the Dutch Golden Age, a zenith of economic prosperity for the United Provinces. Zwolle, a significant Hanseatic city, actively minted these 'Lion Daalders' as vital international trade coins. Their consistent weight and slightly lower silver fineness made them widely accepted, particularly in the Levant, facilitating Dutch mercantile expansion. These coins thus symbolized the Republic's formidable economic influence across global markets.

Artistry: This Leeuwendaalder adheres to the standardized iconography prevalent throughout the United Provinces. While specific engraver details for Zwolle's dies are typically unrecorded, the design reflects a functional stylistic school, prioritizing its role as a trade instrument. The obverse features an armored knight, symbolizing the city's protector, behind a shield bearing Zwolle's cross arms, with the date divided. The reverse prominently displays the eponymous rampant lion, facing left, an enduring symbol of Dutch identity and strength.

Technical/Grading: Technically, the Zwolle Leeuwendaalder often exhibits traits typical of mass production for trade. Key high-points for assessing wear and strike include the knight's helmet and upper shield details on the obverse. On the reverse, the lion's mane, facial features, and claws are critical. Common strike weaknesses include flatness on the lion's body or the central field of the knight's shield. Planchet quality may vary, sometimes showing minor irregularities, impacting the coin's overall grade and eye appeal.