© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Small Agnel - William II of Sombreffe ND
| Gold | 2.41 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 | 2.41 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#405822 |
|---|---|
| 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: ✠ XPC · VINCIT · XPC · REGNAT · XPC · IMPERAT
Lettering (regular font): ✠ XPC · VINCIT · XPC · REGNAT · XPC · 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 exact example appears to be the one discussed by Van der Chijs (Vol. 8, p. 275).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Small 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 a large territory in what is now modern-day Belgium, but his reign was marked by conflict and political instability. Despite this, the coin remains a valuable piece of history and a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the time.
