2018-06-13 Wed

The Jonathan Kern Collection of Siege Coinage was auctioned by CNG online before 16th May. A coin from the collection featuring the patron saint of artillerymen - Saint Barbara, was auctioned for $6,500 against an estimate of $5,000. The rectangular-shaped silver 40-stuiver klippe is 38 millimeters by 41 millimeters in size and weighs around 28.69 grams. The collection comprised of siege coinage from the Dutch Revolt.

During the Dutch Revolt, Amsterdam did not join Holland, Zeeland, and the southern provinces initially to drive the Spanish out of Dutch territory. In December 1577, the Dutch attacked Amsterdam and captured it till 8th February 1578, after which, Amsterdam agreed to fight against Spain.

The engraving on the offered coin was done after the siege. Silver from chandeliers, lamps, and vases of a church named Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam was melted to produce these coins. The extra mark of Saint Barbara is not featured on the other examples of this type. These coins were preserved as a memento by people who were involved in the siege. The coin is graded by NGC as AU Details.

Image Courtesy: Classical Numismatic Group