Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary

Philip II of Spain and Queen Mary, copper counter, 1557/58, coin-like portrait busts vis-à-vis, PHS ET MARIA HISP ANGL REGS FLANDR COMS, 1558 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). Good very fine and very rare.

One of several varieties of counters struck for use in the Chamber of Accounts at Lille and all of which are rare.

Provenance: Ex Papillon Collection, Bonhams, 25 March, 1998 (lot 7); Spink NC, November 1978 (13320).