Assistance to the United Provinces

Assistance to the United Provinces, Dutch Silver Jeton, 1585, Elizabeth enthroned, presents roses to two Deputies, MACTE ANIMI ROSA NECTARE IMBVTA, rev., two Spaniards eat hay from a manger along with a horse and donkey, SPRETE AMBROSIA VESCITOR FENO, 29mm (MI 133/86; Eim. 51; Dugn 3044; vL I, 355, 2). Extremely fine, toned and rare in silver.

Struck to commemorate the Treaty of Nonsuch, signed by Elizabeth I at Nonsuch Palace, Surrey, 10 August, 1585. Initially intended as a way of lifting the Siege of Antwerp, Elizabeth agreed to supply 6,400 foot soldiers and 1,000 cavalry, along with an annual subsidy of 600,000 florins a year. The treaty was seen by Spain as a declaration of war which would lead to the Spanish Armada three years later.

Provenance: Morton & Eden Auction, 20-21 May, 2003 (lot 1106).