Sale: CNG 61, Lot: 2505. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 25 September 2002.  Sold For $350. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LOWLANDS. Brabant. Marie de Bourgogne. 1479. AR Double Briquet (2.98 gm). Antwerp mint. Arms surmounting cross-fleury / Lions seated opposed; jewel of the Golden Fleece between; mintmark: castle in legend. Frey 205; De Mey 437. Attractively toned VF. Rare. ($200)

Early AD dated coinage (before 1500) is very rare in general, as the practice did not become common until the 16th century. Marie, only child of Charles the Bold, became Duchess of Burgundy at the age of 20 when her father was killed in battle. She married Archduke Maximilian of Austria shortly thereafter in order to create an alliance powerful enough to resist French encroachment on her territories. Her reign was cut short by a fatal fall from her horse at the age of 25.