BELGIUM. Flanders. Chaise d'Or, ND (1369-84). Ghent or Malines Mint. Louis II de Male. NGC MS-64.

Fr-163; Delm-466. Weight: 4.48 gms. Obverse: Louis enthroned facing skyward pointing sword in right hand and lion on shield in left hand; Reverse: Floriated cross. Very boldly impressed on a thin planchet, this near-Gem has clear design elements and crisp readable legends. A pale golden color besets the satiny surfaces which enhances the already attractive nature of the piece. An example that is sure to find a warm place in the hearts of discerning collectors. Louis II de Male was count of Flanders when that province was one of the richest regions of Europe. Nominally part of France, Louis refused to pay homage to either the king of France or the king of England, maintaining neutrality during the Hundred Years War. It was then that this imitation of a French Chaise d'or was struck. This is the later of two types; the first shows an eagle on the count's shield rather than a lion. Later, he married his daughter to Philip, duke of Burgundy, uniting the two houses against the authority of the king of France.