Description

William III. 1694-1702. Silver Medal 1697, 93.28 g. Treaty of Ryswick. By R. Arondeaux. The Genius of Friesland seated on arms and flags; holding a staff surmounted by the cap of liberty; her shield at her side; fasces at her feet; in the distance Temple of IANVS BIFRONS. APERTO DIGNA TIMERI. In exergue: FRISIA. Rv. The Genius of Friesland standing; holding up a standard, offering at an altar and standing with a cornucopia at her feet; behind the Temple of IANUS BIFRONS. CLAUSO PIA GRATA FIDELIS. In exergue: PACIS GEN . RYSWYK . MDCXCVII. ARONDEAUX . F. Plain edge. 66.6 mm. Eimer -. MI ii 170/454. van Loon IV, 271,1. Saunders/Vanhoudt 1697-53. Vorzüglich / Extremely Fine. Feine Patina / Nicely toned. Leicht berieben / Slightly polished.

From the auction Künker 98, Osnabrück, March 2005, lot 5274.

The Treaty of Ryswick, signed in 1697, marked the end of the Nine Years' War (1688 - 1697), a major conflict between France under King Louis XIV and the Grand Alliance, which included England, the Dutch Republic, the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, and other European powers.

It was more of a truce than a lasting peace. It failed to address the issue of the Spanish succession, which would soon plunge Europe into another major war. Louis XIV's retention of Strasbourg and other strategic gains demonstrated that France remained a powerful and ambitious force in Europe.

This medal was struck in Friesland.