Hertogdom Brabant / Antwerpen - Karel V (1506-1555) - Spaanse Reaal / Spanish Reale 1517 Antwerpen (vGH 203-1 / Vanhoudt 217 R2) – 3.54 gram – Obv. Crowned coat of arms of Austria-Burgundy IOANA + ET + KAROL’ + D + G + CASTEL + LEG / Rev. Crowned Burgundian cross dividing date, Jewel of the Golden Fleece below (hand) ARAG + ZC + RE + ARCHID + AVST + DVCV + BVRG + B + - Fully intact gilding and ex. mount - VF - Ex. Auction J. Elsen 148 (Sept. 2021), lot 560 (there as a unique gold off-strike) - very rare - Special emission of Spanish Reales and minors struck in 1517 in Brabant and Flanders for distribution at Charles' crowning in Spain. This piece has been contemporaneously gilt and clearly treasured by a staunch supporter of Charles V. It likely stems from the Noordwijkerhout hoard (1902); this hoard of ca. 3500 silver and gold pieces was discovered in a ceramic vessel in december that year and was quickly sold (and partially melted down) by the finders before academic analysis was possible. It was buried in association with the siege of Leiden in 1573/4, as the last coins dated to ca. 1572. The city museum of Leiden (now the Lakenhal) managed to acquire several pieces, yet most entered the market. Amongst the brief description given by J.C. Overvoorde in 'Bulletin van den Nederlandschen Oudheidkundigen Bond, 1902-1903', a hitherto untraceable 'Spaansch Pistool van 1517' is listed, not part of the subsequently numismatically analysed port of the hoard . It is likely this piece was seen as solid gold, as it would be over a century later when it would appear at auction with Elsen & ses Fils.