The New York Sale 2026 Ancient & World

2x

2x

1609 Groningen and Ommeland. Siege of Groningen, 1672. Franco-Dutch War. Silver 50 Stuiver Klippe (32 x 34.5mm; 28.51 g). Large crowned Provincial Arms, 50-ST, .IVRE.ET.TEMPORE.1672. Reverse: Engraved text in eight lines: 1672 Groningen is belegert van de ceulse en mun Sterse volkeren den 9 Iuly verlaten den 16 Aug’u (Korchnak 241a; Mailliet pl. XLIV.7; BM Tf.19.3; Weiler 70; Delmonte S 736; KM 27). Rare with engraved reverse. Choice Extremely Fine. Originally staunch supporters of the Dutch Republic -- as a means of thwarting the Hapsburgs, France shifted its policy when the states of Holland did not support a division of the Spanish Netherlands. In May of 1672, France and its allies – Münster and Cologne -- invaded. After rapidly capturing a number of fortresses, thus securing its rear, the French army crossed the Rhine. The opportunistic Bishop of Münster, Christoph Bernhard Freiherr von Galen helped the French take Groenlo, then advanced further, taking Coevorden after a short siege. He quickly then bought his forces, along with those of Cologne, to besiege Groningen. The city was well-prepared under the command of Carl von Rabenhaupt with a garrison of some 2,500 men. The besiegers plundered the countryside, then began to bombard the city, which earned Bishop Bernhard the nickname ‘Bommen Berend’. But with their supplies being harassed by a guerrilla campaign and the city’s robust defense bolstered by reinforcements sent by Willem of Orange, the Münsterite forces attempts came to naught. Seeing his men suffering from little food and poor conditions, Bernhard completely retreated on August 28. He would lose 5,000 to 10,000 men and his dream of pushing deep into the Dutch Republic was crushed. Today, August 28th is still celebrated as a local holiday in Groningen, while the Dutch victory at Groningen is considered the making of the Netherlands.

$1,500

2x

2x

1610 Groningen and Ommeland. Siege of Groningen, 1672. Franco-Dutch War. Silver 25 Stuiver Klippe (27.5 x 29mm; 13.50 g). Crowned Provincial Arms, 25-ST, IVRE ET TEMPORE 1672. Reverse: Engraved text in eight lines: doe beerecht van Galen door Groningen jani ende die lis doe thegn men deese stucken tot gedaghtenis (Korchnak 242; Mailliet pl. XLIV.11; BM Tf. 19.4; Weiler 145; CNM 2.20.4; KM 26). Good Very Fine . Rare with engraved reverse.

157

$1,000