Dutch Republic, Maurice of Nassau, 40 Stuiver
1625 - Breda - Silver - EF(40-45)
PLEASE NOTE: this collector's item is unique. We therefore cannot guarantee its availability over time and recommend that you do not delay too long in completing your purchase if you are interested.
Within a grenetis in the center, crowned shield of Maurice de Nassau, the name of the Siege of the city and its date around it; flanked on either side by the shield of Breda, the denomination above and a flower in a circle below.
Silver siege coin issued by Maurice of Nassau, who became Prince-Sovereign of Orange in 1618. As part of the Eighty Years' War, parts of the Spanish Netherlands and the Seventeen Provinces revolt against King Philip II of Spain and his successors. One of the leaders of this revolt was William the Silent, followed by his sons, including Maurice of Nassau. Maurice of Nassau recaptured Breda from the Spanish during the siege of 1581. At the end of August 1624, under the reign of Philip IV of Spain, the Marquis of Spinola began a long siege that ended with the city's surrender in June 1625. Unfortunately, Maurice of Nassau did not see the end of the siege, dying in April 1625. He was succeeded by his half-brother Justin of Nassau.
BREDA·OBSESSA·1625
9.42 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
