Spanish Netherlands, Philip IV Schelling

Origin: These silver coins were struck in the 1600's under Philip IV of Spain, and were issued by the Duchy of Brabant. The duchy was part of the Spanish Netherlands, a Spanish controlled area of present day France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Philip IV, a Habsburg ruler, held the Spanish throne from 1621 until his death in 1665. At just 10 years old, he was married to the 13-year-old Elisabeth of France. Philip fathered 10 children with Elisabeth, although he's also known to have had at least 30 other illegitimate children with various mistresses. Despite this, Philip was actually considered a good father by the standards of his time.

In 1649, following Elisabeth's death, Philip remarried to his 14-year-old niece Maria Anna in order to strengthen the relationship with Habsburg Austria. They had five children, but only Margarita Teresa and the chronically ill King Charles II of Spain survived to adulthood. Overall, Philip's reign saw a period of decline in the Spanish Empire, marked by his inability to implement successful domestic and military reforms.

Silver schellings were struck at mints in Antwerp and Brussels, both in present-day Belgium. The obverse features a lion holding a sword and the Austria-Burgundy shield, representing the connection between the two royal houses. The legend on the edge translates to "Philip IV, by the grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies." The reverse shows another coat of arms and the date split in half along the two sides of the shield.

Each includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

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Your order will include:

• One schelling from the Duchy of Brabant, struck under Philip IV
• Glass top leather display box
• Detail card with relevant information about the relic
• Certificate of Authenticity