BELGIUM. Flanders. Chaise dOr, ND (1346-84). Ghent or Malines Mint. Louis II de Male. NGC MS-64. Fr-163; Delm-466. Weight: 4.45 gms. Obverse: Louis enthroned facing with skyward pointing sword in right hand and lion on shield in left hand; Reverse: Floriated cross surrounded by quadrilobe. Boldly struck on a broad planchet, this nicely preserved near-Gem survivor exhibits crisp intricate design elements with clear complete legends. The satiny surfaces are complemented by a lovely pale gold coloration with hints of iridescent orange tone in the fine crevasses adding to its pleasing appearance and desirability. This wholly original looking survivor offers good eye appeal that is destined to catch the attention of discerning collectors.<p><em>Louis II de Male was count of Flanders when that province was one of the richest regions of Europe. Nominally part of France, Louis refused to pay homage to either the king of France or the king of England, steering a neutral course during the Hundred Years War. It was then that this imitation of a French chaise dor was struck. This is the later of two types; the first shows an eagle on the counts shield rather than a lion. Later, he married his daughter to Philip, duke of Burgundy, uniting the two houses against the authority of the king of France.</em>
