Been a little while since I've posted anything from my collection so I thought that I'd write up this recent addition. It is a Petit Denier (kleine denarius in Dutch) from the city of Ypres (Ieper in Dutch), currently located in Belgium near the border with France. For sure it is petit/klein as it tips the scales at 0.4g and is only about 11 mm in diameter. The rev contains the legend, "I P R A", which designates the city name. This coin is attributed as Ghyssens 2114.
From wikipedia, here is a little history on Ypres, perhaps the least cat friendly city in all of Flanders:
Quote:
Ypres is an ancient town, known to have been raided by the Romans in the first century BC. It is first mentioned by name in 1066 and is probably named after the river Ieperlee on the banks of which it was founded.
During the Middle Ages, Ypres was a prosperous Flemish city with a population of 40,000 in 1200 AD, renowned for its linen trade with England, which was mentioned in the Canterbury Tales.
As the third largest city in the County of Flanders (after Ghent and Bruges) Ypres played an important role in the history of the textile industry. Textiles from Ypres could be found in the markets of Novgorod in Kievan Rus' in the early 12th century. In 1241, a major fire ruined much of the old city. The powerful city was involved in important treaties and battles, including the Battle of the Golden Spurs, the Battle at Mons-en-Pevèle, the Peace of Melun, and the Battle of Cassel.
The famous Cloth Hall was built in the 13th century. Also during this time cats, then the symbol of the devil and witchcraft, were thrown off Cloth Hall, possibly because of the belief that this would get rid of evil demons. Today, this act is commemorated with a triennial Cat Parade through town.
Here is a little more info on the history of Ypres' felinecide and now celebratory kattenstoet:
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/11/...r-ypres.html
Posted 11/09/2019 09:46 am
