Small coin, big story. The duit (the small copper coin with the famous VOC monogram) may seem modest, but it is a tangible reminder of the global trading empire of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). In this blog, we explain what a VOC duit is, why they were minted, where the mints were located, and how you can identify where your duit was minted – handy if you're looking at one on Antiekhuys.nl.
What is a VOC duit and what was its purpose?
The duit was the most important small change in the VOC's trade: a cheap, widely used loose coin for daily transactions in the Dutch Republic and in the colonies. Because foreign small coins often circulated in trading cities, the VOC had duits minted itself, even in overseas establishments, to ensure a uniform, reliable supply of small change. These duits circulated in the Dutch East Indies and elsewhere in Asia and were therefore essential for the daily trade of merchants and local markets.
Who minted the duits and where did this happen?
The VOC was not a single central bank: the Company consisted of several "Chambers" in the Netherlands (such as Amsterdam, Middelburg, Hoorn, Enkhuizen, Delft, and Rotterdam) and minted coins in various places, both in the Netherlands and in some overseas establishments. Local coins could therefore originate from different mints and mint masters. Within the Republic, Middelburg (Zeeland) and the West Frisian mints were particularly active in minting copper duits for use in the East.
How do you identify where a VOC duit was minted?
On VOC duits, you'll find small symbols that refer to the minting location or even the mint master. These mint marks and privy marks are small but crucial for identification. A few tips on how to spot them yourself:
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Look above the VOC monogram: many duits show a small symbol there (a castle, tower, letter, or other sign). For example, a small castle or fortress is typical for Middelburg (Zeeland). Such identifications can be found in specialized coin catalogs.