Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 1971. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $2250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LOWLANDS, Holland. Revolt against Spain. 1573-1575. Countermark on an AV Double Excellente (6.87 gm) of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, from the Seville mint (C&C 2785). Countermark: the heraldic rampant lion of Holland within a beaded circle. Delmonte 770B; cf. De Mey, Countremarques 79/I/2(808) (only listed for silver coins); Friedberg -. VF, flan bent and straightened. Extremely rare. ($1500)

The Estates General of Holland, desperate for funds in their fight for independence from Spain, ordered the countermarking of obsolete coinage to validate its continued use in circulation. Gold coins thus countermarked are rarely encountered, with this piece being a Spanish double excellente struck almost 100 years prior to its renewed use.