Low Countries (Dutch Republic, Dordrecht) Copper Rekenpenning (Jeton) 1586 - English Assistance to the United Provinces

6.17g. 31mm. AU/XF+. 

Dugniolle 3096; van Loon (new edition) 1586.4; MI 133/87; Eimer 52. 

Obv.: Elizabeth I enthroned facing, holding a sceptre and presenting a sword to two kneeling figures symbolizing the States of the United Provinces; to the left stands Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, holding an open book decorated with two crossed swords. Date 1586 in exergue. 

Inscription around: · E · R · EST · ALT RIX · ESVRIENTIVM · EVM · 

(“He is the King of those who hunger for Him.” — paraphrase of Psalm 145:15–16). 

Rev.: Upright sword with radiate cloud above emitting the Tetragrammaton (יהוה), stylized flames below. 

Inscription around: (rosette) SERMO · DEI · QVO : ENSE · ANCIPI = ACVTIOR 

(“The word of God, sharper than a two-edged sword.” — Hebrews 4:12). 

This jeton commemorates English military and political support for the Dutch Revolt during the war against Spain. In 1586, Queen Elizabeth I formally accepted the protection of the United Provinces, sending troops under the command of the Earl of Leicester. Jetons of this series were struck in Dordrecht and circulated as accounting counters throughout the Dutch Republic.

Issue of interest to collectors of coins and jetons of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.