The Siege of Groningen
LOW COUNTRIES, Groningen. Besieged by Christoph Bernhard Freiherr von Galen, Bishop of Münster, 1672. AR 50 Stuivers Klippe (32x34mm, 28.89 g). Dated
1672. Crowned coat-of-arms; 50 and ST (mark of value) flanking shield / Blank. Korchnak 241; Maillet 5; P&W Go17.1; CNM 2.20.4; KM 27.2. Toned, a few minor marks. Near EF.
In the Franco-Dutch War (1672-1678), France and its allies invaded the United Netherlands in an attempt to capture land from the weaker Dutch forces. Ever eager to increase his influence and power, Christoph Bernhard von Galen, bishop of Münster, joined the French and besieged the Dutch city of Groningen in 1672. The siege was ultimately unsuccessful, and Bishop von Galen retreated on 28 August of the same year. This coin was struck afterward to commemorate the end of the siege. 28 August is still celebrated as a local holiday in Groningen; it is called “Bomm’n Berend” after the nickname given to Bishop von Galen by the townspeople.
