Dutch Medal - William of Orange by Pieter van Abeele

Iosephus

William of Orange

By Pieter van Abeele, c. 1654-58.

Silver, 66.4 mm Ø, 62.8 g

Obverse: Bust of William facing three quarters to right, wearing Spanish collar and armor. Around, WILHELMVS D · G · PRINC · AVRAI · COM · NASS · EC (William, by the Grace of God, Prince of Orange, Count of Nassau). Beneath the bust, signed P V A · F · .

Reverse: William, holding baton, seated between two councillors. Around, BELGICA LIBERTAS VIGVIT VIRTVTE WILHELMI (Dutch Liberty Strengthened by the Vigor of Prince William).

Medal made in memory of William of Orange (1533-1584), also known as William the Silent, the leader in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish Habsburg rule. The reverse commemorates when William was granted supreme state authority in 1575, giving him the ability to quickly make important decisions for the States.

The medal is hollow, consisting of two shells joined with a rim.

References: Van Loon 1732-37, vol. 1, p. 203; (Van Loon 2021, no. 1575.1); Frederiks 1943, p. 8, no. 5/5a