CNG 93, Lot: 1937. Estimate $1500. Sold for $1275. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LOW COUNTRIES, Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden (Dutch Republic). 1581-1795. AR Medal (51mm, 45.34 g, 12h). Commemorating the Battle of Turnhout. Dated 1597 in Roman numerals. A trophy of arms erected upon a spear; DEO OPT· MAX· above; in background, a map of the conquered district, with the names of the towns and rivers / SIGNIS/AD TVRNHOVT/NOVEM ET TRIGINTA/POST OPPIDIS TRANS/RHENVM TRIBVS/CIS SEX HISPANO/TRIMESTRI EREPTIS (Thirty-nine standards at Turnhout, after three towns across the Rhine – six on this side – were captured from the Spaniard in a three month period) in seven lines; in two lines in exergue, M D XCVII/S·C·. MI 168/157; Eimer –; van Loon I, 497.xi. VF, toned. Attractive example.

Commissioned by the Dutch Republic, this medal commemorates the victory of Turnhout, as well as the subsequent successes of the forces allied under Maurits van Nassau (Prince Maurice of Orange). The imagery is emblematic of Roman practices, whereby a trophy would be erected upon the field of victory, decorated with the arms from the captured enemy, suspended upon a spear or tree trunk, and consecrated to a deity, usually Mars.