Rare token struck to commemorate the victorious defense of the city of Alkmaar in 1573 during the Eighty Years’ War, when the townspeople successfully repelled the siege laid by Spanish forces. The defense of Alkmaar held immense symbolic significance, as it was the first city to resist and withstand the Spanish army, marking a turning point in the struggle for Dutch independence.
The allegorical imagery on the token represents civic virtue, abundance, and the triumph of the city.
Obverse: allegorical composition, in the center a city gate surmounted by the scales of justice and encircled by a wreath, flanking figures at left a warrior with a spear, at right a female figure with a cornucopia and torch, below, two lions lying opposite each other, in the legend field the letters S – C.
Reverse: armored warrior with raised sword and shield, standing on a fallen shield; beside him banners, helmet, and armor, with a tower to the left, below, inscription ALCMARIA VICTRIX (“Alkmaar victorious”)
Diameter 32 mm, weight 11.77 g
