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Antique copper short sword of Emperor Charles V – 16th century
€59,95
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A special reminder of the Netherlands under the rule of one of the most powerful rulers in European history. This antique copper coin bears the portrait of Emperor Charles V, recognizable by his characteristic beard and crown. The reverse depicts a lion rampant.
It is a so-called korte: a copper coin worth two mijten, which was minted in the Netherlands under Charles V from 1543 onwards. It was small change from a time when the Netherlands were part of a vast European empire.
Charles V – emperor of a world empire
Charles V was born in Ghent in 1500 and grew up to be one of the most powerful rulers of the sixteenth century. He was king of Spain, lord of the Netherlands, and from 1519 emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
Under his rule, large parts of Europe and the overseas Spanish territories came under a single dynastic rule. The Dutch provinces were also increasingly brought under a single government during his reign.
Charles V ruled the Netherlands from 1506. In 1555 he transferred the rule of the Netherlands to his son Philip II. A year later he abdicated the Spanish throne and the imperial dignity. He died in 1558.
A coin with a royal portrait
On the obverse we see the crowned portrait of Charles V, with his characteristic beard, facing right. Around the portrait is a Latin inscription referring to his princely titles.
The reverse shows a lion rampant, a powerful heraldic symbol that was widely used in the princely and provincial imagery of the Netherlands.
The coin is made of copper and shows clear signs of prolonged use. The irregular shape, dark patina, and worn details give the object an authentic character that is fitting for a sixteenth-century coin.
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Object | Antique copper coin |
| Coin type | Korte |
| Date | 16th century, circa 1543–1556 |
| Coin ruler | Charles V |
| Material | Copper |
| Nominal value | 2 mijten |
| Obverse | Crowned portrait of Charles V with beard |
| Reverse | Lion rampant |
| Minting place | Not determined |
| Condition | Heavy circulation wear, dark patina |
Frequently asked questions
Who is depicted on this coin?
On the obverse is Emperor Charles V (1500–1558), recognizable by his crowned portrait and beard. He was king of Spain, lord of the Netherlands, and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.
What is a korte?
A korte was a copper coin with a nominal value of two mijten. The coin was used for small payments in the Netherlands from 1543 under Charles V.
What does the lion on the reverse mean?
The lion rampant is a heraldic symbol that was widely used in the Netherlands. It represents princely and provincial power and is characteristic of this coin design.
How old is this coin?
The coin dates from the sixteenth century and was minted during the reign of Charles V. The type was issued from 1543 onwards.
A beautiful historical collectible for lovers of old Dutch coins, Habsburg history, and the Netherlands in the sixteenth century.