The Siege of Zierikzee

Sale: Triton XI, Lot: 1231. Estimate $3000.  Closing Date: Monday, 7 January 2008.  Sold For $2400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LOW COUNTRIES, Zierikzee. AR Achtenveertig stuiver Klippe. Siege issue. Emission of July 1576. • + •/• REGIÆ/MAT• RECON/CILIATA • ZI/RIZEA • ZA•/• IVLY • AO/• 1576 • in seven lines across field; all within reeded border / Blank. NPM Zi 13; Gelder 93; Delmonte, Argent 177; Mailliet 20. In an NGC slab graded XF 40, toned. Very rare.

Situated in Zeeland, Zierikzee, unlike it neighbor Middelburg, sided against the Spanish. Because of its strategic location and importance to the revolt, Zierikzee was besieged from November 1575 to February 1576. The city was eventually compelled to capitulate. In the ensuing negotiations, the Dutch were forced to allow those inhabitants of the city who were Catholic to enjoy religious freedom.