Netherlands – Siege of Leiden 5 Stuiver 1574 Pick S101b PMG Extremely Fine 40. Although this LII Collection Showcase Currency Auction is primarily American, its roots also lie across the ocean. We have only handled a few examples of this historic currency which will be of interest to collectors in several fields. An example of this "siege money" was on display in the Newman Money Museums as well other institutions due to its distinctive nature. This piece came from Neil Shafer's eclectic collection of unusual paper monies auctioned in 2014 and it was the first to appear in an American sale for quite some time. It may be classified as the earliest European paper money, but it is also properly classified with siege coins. Issued during the early part of the Eighty Years War (1568-1748) when the Spanish were holding siege around Leiden's dikes. Generally, siege coins were struck upon citizens' silver plate and copper, church vessels, or anything that could be put to emergency use for money. In this intriguing case, shredded prayer books and bibles were made into a macerated pulp and formed into pressed cardboard-like sheets. The sheets were than impressed with dies and either struck in collars or trimmed into perfectly round "coins." The face (obverse) has arms and rampant lion at center surrounded with motto PUGNO PRO PATRIA (I fight for my country) and date 1574. The reverse with fancy bordering and inscription LVG/DVNVM/BATAVO/RVM (Leiden in Batavia). Countermark on the obverse. Attractive condition, perfectly round. The date is especially bold and sharply struck. PMG notes "Rust," but it may be vestiges of document wax as noted when cataloged in the LKCA sale. The Newman Collection example (Cf; our Newman Part X Sale HA #3568, November 7-10, 2018, lot 20014 PCGS New 62 realized $2,880) was superior to this example, but this is quite attractive. Rarely offered, especially in American sales. This is an important artifact for any currency collection reflecting the tumultuous wars crossing Europe centuries ago and the unusual emergencies created. Ex: LKCA 2014 Memphis Sale of the Neil Shafer Collection of Money of the People, June 15, 2014, lot 5000 (realized $3,450); Randolph Zander. From The LII Collection.

HID09801242017

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