1494-1506 Belgium-Brabant Gold 1/2F Philip the Fair NGC AU55

The 1494–1506 Belgium-Brabant Gold 1/2 Florin, issued under Philip the Fair and graded NGC AU55, is a rare and historically significant coin from the late 15th century. Philip the Fair, Duke of Burgundy and ruler of the Habsburg Netherlands, played a crucial role in European politics as the son of Maximilian I of the Holy Roman Empire and Mary of Burgundy. His marriage to Joanna of Castile united the powerful Habsburg and Spanish crowns, setting the stage for the vast Habsburg dominions that would dominate European affairs in the 16th century.

The obverse of the coin likely features an image of Philip the Fair, a symbol of his authority over Brabant and the Burgundian Netherlands. His rule was marked by efforts to strengthen centralized governance while balancing the autonomy of the prosperous merchant cities in the region. Inscriptions on the obverse typically include his name and titles, emphasizing his legitimacy as a ruler.

The reverse  displays a cross or a heraldic emblem representing the Duchy of Brabant, possibly accompanied by the Burgundian flint and steel symbol, which was associated with the Order of the Golden Fleece. These designs reinforced Philip’s ties to chivalry, religious devotion, and the Burgundian legacy.