Hi everyone, had this coin in my collection for quite a while, just finished the write up and thought I'd ship with everyone. Feedback would be much appreciated! Thanks! 1588 Jeton - Sinking of the Spanish Armada The phrase “God Save the Queen” (or King) has long been significant in English history, originating during the reign of George II. Before that however, there was an event that made some say that God saved the whole of England itself. During the summer of 1588, the protestant government of england was under threat, with an imminent invasion by King Philip II of Spain looming on the horizon. Spurred by England's support of Dutch rebels, English piracy, and the desire for a Catholic king, King Philip assembled an “invincible” armada to achieve his goals. King Philip was a man who thought he held valid claims to the english throne, through his marriage to the late Queen Mary, the queen before Elizabeth I. Taking over two years to fully build his navy, King Philip II collected material and weapons from all over Europe. Once ready, his fleet stood at 130 ships, 8000 seamen and over 18,000 soldiers. Such was the confidence of the king that he sent over 200 men, to set up a temporary government once England was defeated. Commanded by the inexperienced Duke of Medina Sidonia, the armada set sail during May, 1588. While en route to rendezvous with the Duke of Parma off the coast of France, the Invincible Armada was being harassed by a smaller English fleet. After a fireship attack by the English that left the Spanish scattered, the final battle would take place. At the Battle of Gravelines, the English navy bombarded their enemies with cannon fire. The bloody engagement lasted nine hours, until winds carried the Spanish navy into the North Sea, dashing any hope of a successful invasion. This English victory would mark the last time England itself was threatened with foreign invasion, all the way until the World Wars. This miracle is reflected in this Jeton, with the obverse depicting a protestant family praying to god, presumably for the annihilation of the invading forces. This conflict was a religious one as well; King Philip II and the Spaniards were of the Catholic faith, while Queen Elizabeth I and the English were Protestants. Philip II’s wife, Queen Mary even gained the nickname “Bloody Mary” through her relentless persecution of Protestants in an attempt to revert England back to Catholicism. The portrait of the praying family depicts the common belief in England, that God himself has willed the Protestants to victory. The legends on the coin are interesting as well. On the obverse, the legend read “HOMO PROPONIT DEVS DISPONIT”, latin for: Man proposes, God disposes. Once again, this legend reflects the religious beliefs of the English at the time. On the reverse, the legends transition to a description of the great victory. A spanish warship is depicted crashing into jagged rocks, with the sailors leaping into the waves below. Around this caricature reads the legend “HISPANI FVGIVT ET PEREVT NEMINE SEQVETE”, roughly translating to The Spaniards are Put to Flight and Perish with Noone in Pursuit. Coinage has long been valuable propaganda pieces for ancient rulers, depicting great achievements in their reign. This Jeton is no different; depicting a significant victory for Queen Elizabeth I, a victory that would secure her throne and her place in the great monarchs of English history. England, 1558. AE Jeton (29mm, 4.96g). Defeat of the Spanish Armada. HOMO · PROPONIT · DEVS · DISPONIT · (Man proposes; God disposes), family kneeling kneeling left in prayer; HISPANI · FVGIVT · ET · PEREV’T · NEMINE · SEQVETE (The Spaniards are put to flight and perish with noone in pursuit), Spanish ship splitting, with soldiers jumping overboard
Nice write up and nice jeton. One small correction, but this jeton is actually Dutch/Belgian (technically "Spanish Netherlands) in origin, from Dordrecht. The Dutch were engaged in the 80 Year's War with Spain and very much benefited by the defeat of the Armada.
Who struck the Jeton? When was it made? What is its story? Is it rare? On the history itself, I think that you will find some differences between the Britannica and the New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. (That is also true of the Britannica and the Grolier's American on the Battle of Lake Erie.) At the commencement of Elizabeth's reign (1558) Philip had been her best friend. His intercession helped to save her life after Wycliffe's rebellion (1554). He facilitated her accession, supported her against the claims of Mary Stuart, and intervened powerfully in her favor to prevent French aid from being sent to Scotland. When England had emerged triumphant at the treaty of Edinburgh (1560), Elizabeth sent him a special mission of thanks, with the Catholic Lord Montague at its head, to whom she gave a dispensation from the laws of England in order that he might practice Catholicism during the embassy. [...] The Spaniards of that day were reputed the best soldiers in the world, but in naval maneuvers and in the use of heavy artillery they were far behind their rivals. The worst blunder of all was committed after the death of the Marquess of Santa Cruz, Don Alvaro de Bazan the elder, a veteran sailor, the only naval commander of repute that Spain possessed. Philip after long consideration appointed the Duke of Medina Sidonia to succeed him. In vain did the Duke express his lack of ability and his inexperience in naval matters. The king insisted, and the great nobleman loyally left his splendid castle to attempt the impossible, and to make in good faith the most disastrous errors of leadership. A striking comment on the inefficiency of the vast preparations is afforded by the letters of the papal nuncio at Philip's court. He reports at the end of February, 1588, that he had been talking with the other envoys from Germany, France, and Venice, and that none of them could make out for certain that the fleet was intended to attack England after all, for which they all thought it far too weak. [...] (Much more here: https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01727c.htm )
