Netherlands, Duchy of Brabant, Charles V (1506-1555), silver Real d’Argent, c. 1521-1545, Antwerp mint, crowned Holy Roman Empire coat of arms centre surrounded by beaded inner circle, Latin legend read KAROLVS: D: G: RO: IMP: HISP: REX, rev. crowned coat of arms with sixteen quarters placed on a flowered cross centre, beaded inner circle with Latin legend reading DA: MICHI: VIRTVTE: CONTRA: HOSTES: TVOS., (W 674; HV 227; GH 190.1). Fine but worn example, details still visible on both sides, some residual mint lustre in places.

The Latin legend on obverse reads in full as “Karolus V Dei Gratia Romana Imperium Hispania Rex”, which translates as “Charles the Fifth by the Grace of God, Emperor of Rome, King of Spain”; and on the reverse as “da michi virtutem contra hostes tuos”, which translates as “Give me virtue against my enemies”.

Estimate: £60 - £80