Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary

Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary, copper counter, 1557, coin-like portrait busts vis-à-vis, PHS ET MARIA HISP ANGL REGS FLANDR COMS, 1557 below busts, rev., arms of Philip and Mary in lozenge-shaped shield, GECT DE LA CHAMBR DES COPT A LILLE 1557, 30mm (MI 86/50). Very fine and rare.

This variety with the last numeral of the obverse date clearly adapted from 1557. It is also one of the several varieties of counters struck for use in the Chamber of Accounts at Lille, all of which are rare.

Provenance: Bt. Spink.