Βέλγιο. Medal "Geuzenpenning" (or Beggars' Medal) - Antwerp - World War I - 1916 - medallist: Alphonse Mauquoy

BELGIUM - Kingdom - Albert I

AR Medal "Geuzenpenning" (or Beggars' Medal) - silver - Antwerp - World War I - 1916 - medallist: Alphonse Mauquoy (°1880- +1954)

Obverse: Bust of Albert I in uniform, facing left; in lower left field, hallmark with “hand” of Antwerp; date in exergue; legend above.

O/legend: EN TOVT FIDELLES AV ROY

Reverse: Two clasped hands through the opening of a begging bag, dividing date; initials AM in lower right field; below, AR for “argent” (silver); legend above.

R/legend: •IVSQVES A PORTER LA BESACE

Edge: plain

Alignment: medal

Technique: struck

Weight: 6,76 g

Dimensions: length (with eyelet) 29,6 mm x width 21,2

Condition: AEF

Condition remark: A pleasing example, well struck with clear details and legends. The surfaces show an attractive old dark grey cabinet patina. Great eye appeal.

Provenance: ex private collection Mr. E.C. (Belgium)

References: Lefébure, “La Frappe en Belgique Occupée”, nr. 1182 & plate XXXII; KBR 2Lef56/59, 2Lef 56/60, 2Lef56/65 & 2Lef 56/66.

Rarity index: S

Historic context: The design of this medal was based on the "Geuzenpenning" (or Beggars' Medal) of 1566 by Jacques Jonghelinck, from the reign of king Philip II. This medal was sold for charity by M.R. Osterrieth in Antwerp. The emblem was inspired by the deportation of Belgian workers to Germany. (source: Charles Lefébure, “La Frappe en Belgique Occupée”)

Inventory number: N673B
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