This coin was struck during a short lived revolt against the Austrian Empire, as a reaction to policies set in place by Emperor Joseph II.  The insurrection began in 1789 in Brabant, and quickly spread throughout the remaining provinces (with the exception of Luxembourg) .  Early the following year, in January of 1790, the provinces met in Brussels and formed a pact which established themselves at the United States of Belgium.  This coin was produced under that very authority.

The revolution was short lived, however, with the death of Joseph II, who was to be replaced by Leopold II in November of that same year.  Already facing deteriorating structure resulting from opposing factions, the United States of Belgium was rather quietly pacified by Leopold and returned to Austrian authority.