European Medals from 1513 to 1788
Netherlands, United Provinces. Maurice of Nassau, 1585-1625. Medal, an original cast (Silver, 68mm, 72.26 g 12), in honor of the Dutch victories over the Spanish off Peru and Brazil, by Jan van Bylaer, Utrecht, 1624. Mauritius D.G.Princeps Auriacae, Com: Nass: etc. Prov:confoe:Gub: Within a central circle, draped and cuirassed bust of Maurice of Nassau, three-quarter facing and turned slightly to the right, wearing ruff; below shoulder, signature, J.v.Bylaer. ; around, wreath composed of the arms of the seven United Provinces (Geldern, Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Friesland, Westfriesland and Groningen) with two hands holding the seven arrows of the United Provinces above. Rev. Crowned arms of Orange-Nassau within Order of the Garter inscribed, HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE; around, wreath of two branches of laurel symbolizing the two victories; below, cartouche containing the motto of Maurice of Orange, Je Maintiendray. ; in exergue, 16 CUM PRIVI 24 . Betts 22. Milford Haven 511. M.I. p. 231, 91. Van Loon II, p. 155. Very rare, a bright, attractive and impressive medal with a fine portrait. A few minor marks in the fields and with hammer marks on the edges, otherwise , extremely fine. This medal was issued to commemorate the Dutch naval victories off Peru, which resulted in the destruction of numerous Spanish warships, and those off Brazil where, in May 1624, the Dutch captured and sacked Salvador (now Brazil’s third largest city). The engraver, Jan van Bylaer, worked in Utrecht from c. 1622-1645.