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Auction: SW1014 - Bonds & Share Certificates of the World
Lot: 105

16th Century Bond. 1¾% Mortgage Bond, Antwerp 24. September 1549. In the 16th century, under the rule of Charles V (1500-1558), ruler of the Holy German Empire and the Spanish Empire, the City of Antwerp became the main centre of international trade and finance. It was the richest city in Europe and its moneylenders and financiers did big business in lending money especially to the English government. It is said that in certain years the port of Antwerp contributed to the Spanish Crown seven-fold more than the whole Spanish empire of the Americas. This bond was issued during the first Golden Age of the city. Summary of the text: "We, Willem de Vos and Henrik van Etten, lay judges from the city of Antwerp, certify that here present Peter Adriaens, Counceller of here; Henrik van Bonchout, Dean; Peter van Pull, Dingman; Adrian Vermasen and Ghelwin Daems, Aldermen van der Meersen, all here, for themselves and in the name of all others … borrowed the sum of 800 Carolus-Guilders against 14 Guilders interest per year from Jan de Hase … . “ The 800 Guilders were used to pay the contribution to the prince regnant on the 7th August 1549. The Bond is secured by their land and building. Sealed with our seal in the year of the Lord, as one writes fifteen hundred and forty-nine, 24 day in September. Bottom to the right: Original signature of J. Wesenbeke (Town Chancellor & Secretary). The bond was repaid. So the seal of the two lay judges from Antwerp were broken and now only the two ribbons remain. Transscript of the complete text is attached. Probably one of the earliest bonds available on the market. VF.

Sold for
SFr2,900