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World Paper Money > Netherlands

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Leyden Siege
S101b 5 Stuiver 1574
Grade: WBG XF 40    

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This extraordinary coin-like piece was made in 1574 during the siege of the city of Leyden, then the second largest of the Netherlands. It was struck during the second siege of the city that lasted from May to Oct. 3, 1574. Spanish forces were attempting to enforce Spain s rule over the Dutch during the 80 Years War (1568 to 1648). They very nearly did conquer Leyden, as all kinds of supplies for everything ran out. The siege was broken when Dutch ships were able to arrive and save the city. Metal for coinage was also gone, and money was needed as it always is. Prayer books were ripped up and the paper pressed together to create the first money made of paper on the European Continent. Are such pieces coins or paper money? They were struck as coins, but on pressed sheets of paper. Arms on obverse; inscription "1574 PUGNO PRO PATRIA" (Latin: I fight for my country). Reverse inscription in four lines: "LUG/DUNUM/BATAVO/RUM (Leyden in Batavia)". Embossed countermark. WBG terms this "XF 40".

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