Besides Patagon the Albertusthaler was called by another denomination during France's annexation of the Southern Netherlands. You remember one of the obverse designs was of a "golden fleece." The French held high regard for the mythical "golden fleece" believing it to be a symbol of good luck and referred to the coin as Toison d'or which translates to "golden fleece." From the first day of the French Netherlands (French: Pays-Bas méridionaux) the Toison d'or (Patagon) was composed of silver. Here are photos of some coins courtesy of Coin Archives: Note: The photos are of silver Toison d'or coins minted during the reign of Philippe IV (1621-1665): http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=1020500&AucID=937&Lot=967&Val=7b06fe34bf7d9ce7553ada82faa00b0c http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=990855&AucID=921&Lot=909&Val=a1186bec45d1d7821aed110ab49d978a http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=988306&AucID=918&Lot=918&Val=51e60885e77f2894b6cc75a99f4b06d0 Some coins referred to as Toison d'or during the era of Pays-Bas méridionaux were composed of bronze as are the following (Coin Archive photos): http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=990016&AucID=919&Lot=2817&Val=8aff5462c5dea9d2d43de656a2c0c5b7 http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=990035&AucID=919&Lot=2836&Val=fabfd22e2563c55e062627dd4478a1ec http://www.coinarchives.com/w/lotviewer.php?LotID=990051&AucID=919&Lot=2852&Val=879ea8631c875c737da674591cfe941d Gold toison d'or coins were, also, produced. While trying to find photos of gold Toison d'or coins I found something pertaining to "golden fleece." What I discovered shows a relationship to "Jason and the Argonauts" quest for the "golden fleece." The discovery may have led to the mythical story of the "Golden Fleece" being the hide of a golden-haired Ram: Back in ancient times (14th and 15th Centuries B.C.) the Tolkos and Colchis areas of modern day Georgia litteraly teemed with gold producing rivers flowing from the Caucasus Mountains to the Black Sea. To reap this treasure, the people of the area rediscovered the prehistorical use of goat skins as collective devices. The goat skins acted as sieves, proved very durable and could be used many times. After an hour of being stretched between two stakes, or simply held by one's hands in the flowing waters, the goat skins would be gathered up, replaced and carried home to be plucked of their precious cargo (gold flakes and small nuggets). Voila! "Golden Fleece!" Hope you enjoyed this article... Clinker
That's interesting, Clinker! Thanks! I also find it interesting that I've never seen a depiction of the golden fleece on any French medal, and I've looked at tens of thousands of them. I know that French medalists like to use a beehive on some of their medals because it represents hard work and industriousness. If you ever happen to see a medal with the fleece on it, I hope you will share that with us, too. Thanks again! Chris
