$6,210.00 USD
The 1496–1506 Gold Florin of Philip the Fair, graded NGC AU55, is a visually arresting and historically significant example of early Renaissance European gold coinage. Issued during the brief and formative rule of Philip I of Castile, known as Philip the Fair, this coin originates from the Low Countries, where Philip ruled as Duke of Burgundy and Brabant. This period marked the consolidation of Habsburg power in the region through Philip's marriage to Joanna of Castile, setting the foundation for the eventual unification of the Spanish Empire and the Holy Roman Empire under Charles V.
Obverse: Depicts Saint Philip the Apostle standing behind a large, quartered armorial shield representing the Burgundian territories. He holds a cross-topped staff and is surrounded by a beaded legend in Latin, identifying the ruler and reinforcing the coin’s devotional and dynastic symbolism.
Reverse: Features a floriated cross within a quatrefoil and rosette-punctuated inner border, reflecting late medieval stylistic elements. The legend around the perimeter includes a Latin prayer or invocation, typically a variation of “XPC VINCIT XPC REGNAT XPC IMPERAT” — Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands.
Struck in high-purity gold (~3.4g) consistent with contemporary florin standards, this coin reflects a transitional moment in both European numismatics and politics — where Gothic aesthetics meet the early Renaissance, and the Habsburg dynasty begins its meteoric rise.
