Currencies/Austrian Netherlands escalin
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Introduction
The Austrian Netherlands escalin was a silver coin issued in the Austrian Netherlands (today largely Belgium and Luxembourg) during the 18th century under Habsburg rule. It functioned as a fractional denomination of the florin/gulden system and circulated alongside the larger Kronenthaler.
History
After the Austrian takeover of the Southern Netherlands in 1714, the Habsburg administration introduced new coinage to align the region with broader Austrian monetary practice. The escalin appeared under Maria Theresa in the mid-18th century. These coins were produced mainly between 1749 and 1750, circulating as local fractional currency within the Austrian Netherlands.
The escalin formed part of a coinage system that also included the Kronenthaler, which was the principal silver trade coin of the region.
Coins
Escalin coins were struck in silver with a fineness of about .535, weighing around 5 grams and measuring about 24 mm in diameter.
The obverse typically featured the Lion of Brabant holding a sword and shield, symbolizing regional identity. The reverse displayed a crowned composite shield representing the arms of Austria, Bohemia, Hungary, and Burgundy, along with inscriptions naming Maria Theresa and the date of issue.
These coins were minted in Antwerp and Bruges.
Currency
The escalin was valued at 7/20 of a florin (gulden) within the Austrian Netherlands’ monetary structure. It circulated as small to medium silver coinage, used in everyday transactions, while larger values were represented by coins such as the Kronenthaler.
Legacy
The escalin ceased to be issued after the late 18th century as monetary reforms and political changes reshaped the Austrian Netherlands. Today, surviving specimens are of interest to historians, offering insight into the diversity of Habsburg coinage in the Low Countries.