Nomos 12

NETHERLANDS, The Dutch Republic. Amsterdam. Plaquettepenning, or Hollow medal (Silver, 69mm, 68.80 g 12), on the Peace of the Pyrenees between France and Spain; by Pieter van Abeele, 1660. IVLIVS St. ROM.ECL.CARD.MAZARINVS Bare-headed bust of Cardinal Mazarin facing, turned slightly to the right; on truncation PVA (ligate). Rev. QVI.POSVIT.FINES SVOS. PACEM.PSA.47 / .D.EQVES.DED. / ANNO - 1660 (=He maketh peace in thy borders, psalm 47 / the noble Julius dedicated this to God) Temple of Janus with closed doors; on the architrave, GAL.M.F. (=the Kingdom of France at Peace). Frederiks 18/18a. Van Loon II, pp. 440-442, ii. Clear and with a fine portrait of the French Cardinal and Statesman. Usual blow hole on the edge. Minor scrape on the obverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.

The long conflict between France and Spain, including their participation in the Thirty Years’ War, was basically ended by Turenne’s smashing victory at the Battle of the Dunes. As the Chief Minister of France Mazarin (1602-1661, Cardinal from 1641 and Chief Minister from 1642), conducted the peace talks, which resulted in great gains for France, and with the establishment of the Pyrenees as a firm border with Spain. Thanks to his strong bond with Anne of Autria, the widow of Louis XIII and Regent for her son Louis XIV, Mazarin was the effective ruler of France for nearly 20 years. During this time he did his best to advance his family’s interests: he brought his seven nieces to be educated in France and all grew up to attractive, intelligent, independent and seductive women, known as the Mazarinettes, for whom the Cardinal arranged very advantageous marriages.