Brabant Silver Stiver

The Brabant Silver Stiver was often struck from silver captured during skirmishes with Spanish forces, turning enemy loot into everyday currency.

This made for a practical, if ironic, use of resources in the Duchy of Brabant during the late 16th century. Minters in cities like Antwerp produced these coins with a simple design: the Brabant lion on one side, and the value on the other. Sizes varied, but most weighed around 1.7 grams of silver, depending on the year and available metal. We don't know exact mintages for many issues; records from that era are spotty at best.

What sets these apart is their role in a fractious time. As the Netherlands pushed for independence, the stiver circulated widely, from markets to mercenaries. It's no wonder fakes popped up. If you're handling one, check the edges for wear—tells a story right there.

Oh, and don't get me started on the myths about hidden treasures; it's just a coin, not a pirate's map.