NETHERLANDS GRONINGEN 12 1/2 STUIVER 1672 - NGC VF-35

In the Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678), France and its allies invaded the United Netherlands in an attempt to capture land from weaker Dutch forces. Always eager to increase his influence and power, Christoph Bernhard von Galen, Bishop of Münster, joined the French and besieged the Dutch city of Groningen in 1672. The siege was ultimately unsuccessful and Bishop von Galen retreated on 28 August of the same year. This coin was later minted to commemorate the end of the siege. August 28th is still celebrated as a local holiday in Groningen; it is called “Bomm'n Berend” after the nickname given to Bishop von Galen by the townspeople.