Henry III (1574–1589). Silver demi-écu, depicting the city of Cambrai, with the city’s coat of arms (later minting) 1581.

Obverse (clover): FRANCISCO. PROTECTORE. Crowned coat of arms of France, with a round wreath; in the corners: CB hallmarks at the top and the imperial eagle at the bottom, the (date) on the left and right.
Reverse. Engraved inscriptions in five lines: DIEV / VOIT / L AFFLITION / EXODE/ 3° 7.
Mailliet XXI/3 - MO-4.8.4.2; Silver - 11.32 g - 37 mm - 12 h
This coin appears to date from after the siege. It has a lovely collector’s patina. Very rare with inscriptions on the reverse. Very Fine to Superb.
Commemorating the victorious siege of 1581 during the Eighty Years’ War. In 1576, the city sided with the French forces led by François d’Alençon. The city was besieged by the Duke of Parma beginning in 1580 but was relieved of the siege after the arrival of François d’Alençon’s army of 15,000 men. The Spanish withdrew in August 1581. Subsequently, Cambrai rallied to Henry IV in 1594, but in August 1595 the Spanish laid siege to the city. The inhabitants opened the city gates to them, but Governor Jean de Montluc held out in the citadel. Cambrai did not return to French control until 1677, following a siege that mobilized King Louis XIV himself.