European Medals from 1513 to 1788
Netherlands, The Dutch Republic. Utrecht . Medal (Silver, 43mm, 38.02 g 12), on the freeing of Utrecht from French occupation, 1673. INSTAVRATIO.SAECVLI. FELICIS (= the establishment of happy times ) Phoenix, in rays, standing on globe between two cornucopiae. Rev. In eight lines: DEI.O.M. / MUNERE.VIRTVTE. / AC. CONSILIO.PRINCIPIS. / ARAVSIACI.TRAIECTVS. / AD RHENVM.POST.XVII. / MENSIUM.CAPTIVITATEM / RENAT. XIII.NOV. / C?.I?C.LXXIII. (= Utrecht, having been in the hands of the enemy for 17 months, regained its liberty on the 13th November 1673, by the favor of God and the counsel of the Prince of Orange ). TMNK 00854. Van Loon III, pp. 121-122, ii. A very attractive and uncommon piece, very nicely toned. Extremely fine. Ex Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün 60, 12 November 2012, 883. Utrecht was surrendered to French forces in 1672, during the so-called Rampjaar, or ‘year of disaster, of Dutch history. The city was occupied for 17 months until the increasing successes of Dutch arms and diplomacy forced the French out again.