© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Fractional Agnel - William II of Sombreffe ND
| Gold | 1.08 g | - |
| Issuer | Lordship of Reckem (Belgian States) |
|---|---|
| Lord | William II of Sombreffe (Wilhelm II von Sombreffe) (1400-1475) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1407-1443 |
| Value | ½ Agnel |
| Currency | Groot (-1506) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 1.08 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#405701 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Floriate triple cross with rosette in center and fleur-de-lis in the angles, inside polylobe with corners. Eight small fleur-de-lis surrounding.
Script: Latin (uncial)
Lettering: ✠ X · VINCIT · X · REGNAT · X · IMPERAT
Lettering (regular font): ✠ X · VINCIT · X · REGNAT · X · IMPERAT
Translation: Christ conquers, Christ rules, Christ commands.
Comment
The gold “Angel” of the Low Countries was a gold coin of about 4.55 grams.
Delmonte calls the 2.4 gram agnel struck by William of Sombreffe a “klein gouden lam” (small agnel; see link).
This coin appears to have been struck to about half the weight of the “small agnel” It is not recorded in either Van der Chijs or Delmonte.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Fractional Agnel coin is that it was minted during a time of great turmoil in the region. William II of Sombreffe was a powerful lord who ruled over the Lordship of Reckem, which was a small territory in what is now modern-day Belgium. The coin was minted during a period of political instability and conflict, and its production was likely a way for William II to assert his power and authority in the region. Despite the challenges of the time, the coin remains a valuable piece of history and a testament to the craftsmanship of medieval coin makers.
