Nomos 12

NETHERLANDS, The Dutch Republic. Dordrecht. Medal (Silver, 59mm, 61.45 g 12), on the Synod of Dordrecht, or Dort, 1618-1619; by W. van Bylaer, 1619. (Rose)xASSERTA.xRELIGIONEx (=religion is established) View of the council assembled in the Chamber of the Doel at Dordrecht; in the foreground, spectators dividing CVM PRIV/16 19. Rev. (Rose)xERVNTxVTxMONSxSIONxCIɔ xIɔ xCXIXx (=they will be like Mt. Zion) Below the Hebrew name of Jehovah in clouds, a temple atop a mountain besieged by the four winds; pilgrims are ascending the mountain on a winding road. MI, I p. 222, 77. Van Loon II, p. 105. An attractive medal, of real historic significance. Some minor bangs and marks, otherwise, extremely fine.

The Synod of Dordrecht ran from 1618 to 1619 and resulted in the triumph of the strictest Calvinists, the Counter-Remonstrants or Gomarists, over the less strict Calvinists, the Remonstants or Arminians. In fact, this was basically political because the Gomarists were from generally lower class backgrounds and supported the House of Orange, while the Arminians were from the upper-class urban patriciate and were jealous of their ancient rights and power. In the end, the Dutch Church had little real power over the Dutch State, especially since so many churchmen were of low social status.