The Cautionary Towns restored

The Cautionary Towns restored, Dutch piedfort silver medal or jeton, 1616, arms of seven Provinces linked around those of Zeeland and centre, ZEELANDIA, rev., legend in nine lines, BENIGNITATE FIDE IVSTITIA IACOBI REGIS …, 32mm, 14.47g (MI 214/59; vL II, 96; Dugn. 3273). Choice extremely fine.

This, a special striking of the silver jeton, is probably not a true piedfort though it is just over twice the weight of the specimen in the following lot. The extra thickness gives the piece a superior finish and it was, perhaps, a presentation piece. The reverse shows a 'ghosting' of the legend at some 45%.

The Cautionary Towns of Briel, Flushing, Ramekins and Walcheren had been given to Queen Elizabeth in 1585 as security for their repaying her for assistance in their struggle with Spain. They were restored to Holland by James I.

Provenance: Elsen Auction, 15 September, 2007 (lot 1975); Schulman Auction, 17 April, 2000 (lot 2393).