Nomos 12

NETHERLANDS, The Dutch Republic. Groningen. Medal (Silver, 54mm, 32.67 g 6), on the siege of Groningen and the recapture of Coevorden, by an unknown engraver, 1672 (1673). Belegeringe / voor / Groningen (=The siege of Groningen) Aerial view of the besieged city and its fortifications. Rev. GRON.IS.BELEG.DOOR. DE BIS.VAN CVEL.EN.MVNS.D.9:IVL.VERL.DEN.17.AV.1672: (=Groningen was besieged by the Archbishop of Cologne and the Bishop of Münster on the 9th of July and relieved on the 17th of August, 1672) Aerial view of the surprise assault on Coevorden with troops before; below, Coeuorden met Stormer- / hant ingenomen, den / 20 december (=Coevorden taken by assault on the 20th of December). Van Loon III, p. 204, iv. Weiler GMK 2. Attractive and nicely toned. Some minor marks and scratches under the toning, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.

Ex Peus 407, 7 November 2012, 1649.

This medal commemorates one of the Dutch victories during the first year of the Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678): the so-called ‘Disaster Year.’ A force led by the Bishop of Münster, Berend van Galen, laid siege to Groningen but despite a very heavy bombardment (which led to the bishop’s nickname of “Bernie Bombs” among the Dutch), the city held out and the siege was broken.