1553 Brabant Antwerp 1CD'OR King Charles V NGC MS61

The 1553 Brabant Cavalier d'Or was struck in the Duchy of Brabant (Antwerp) during the final years of Emperor Charles V's reign over the Spanish Netherlands. At this time, Charles V – who ruled an empire spanning Spain, Austria, the Low Countries and the Holy Roman Empire – was nearing abdication (he would relinquish his thrones by 1555-56 amid mounting pressures).

Obverse: The large crowned coat-of-arms of the Habsburg realms (Austria-Burgundy) flanked by two Burgundian firesteels (flint sparks), with a radiant sun above. This "sun" device gives the coin its French nickname couronne au soleil (sun crown). The Latin legend reads "CAROLVS D G RO IMP HISP REX DVX BVRG Z B" (Charles, by God's grace Emperor of the Romans, King of Spain, Duke of Burgundy and Brabant).

Reverse: An ornate cross fleury (floral cross) with lis-shaped ends, flanked by alternating symbols in the quarters: two two-headed eagles (the Habsburg imperial emblem) and two towered castles (a symbol associated with Burgundy/Spain). The reverse legend bears the motto "DA MIHI VIRTVTE CONTRA HOSTES TVOS" (Give me strength against Your enemies). The date 1553 appears at the end of the legend.

A unique aspect of the 1553 issue is its position in history: it was among the last gold coins minted in Brabant under Charles V before his abdication. This final-year status, combined with the full "1553" date, enhances the coin's desirability.

The population rarity is exceptional:

• According to available NGC and PCGS census figures, very few 1553 Cavalier d'Or coins have been certified in Mint State.
• Only a handful (perhaps 2-4 specimens) exist in MS61 or better across both services.
• NGC's census shows just a couple of examples in the MS62-63 range (with MS63 being the highest grade known for this type).
• PCGS records either none or only one in Mint State. It is quite possible that no other MS61s are on record – it may be unique at that grade

This coin is in a league of its own, far surpassing the quality usually seen. The scarcity of high-grade examples drives significant premiums: advanced collectors are willing to pay exponentially more for top-grade coins because there might only be one or two available worldwide.