Skip to product information
Antique silver double coat of arms farthing West-Friesland 1787
€32,95
Fast shipping
14-day return policy
A small silver coin with a story dating back almost 240 years. This double wapenstuiver from West Friesland was minted in 1787, during the time of the Dutch Republic. Mozart was 31 years old and George Washington was 55 years old. This coin was in circulation during this era.
The obverse bears the inscription WEST FRISIAE 1787; the reverse shows the crowned provincial coat of arms with the denomination 2 S, or two stuivers.
What could you buy for two stuivers in 1787?
In the eighteenth century, the guilder was divided into twenty stuivers. Two stuivers were therefore one-tenth of a guilder. It was not a large amount, but it was useful for daily shopping. For comparison: historical price estimates for the eighteenth century mention approximately two stuivers for a kilo of rye bread.
And how much work did you have to do to earn it? A skilled laborer could earn approximately twenty stuivers a day around this period, although wages varied widely. Two stuivers therefore represented approximately one-tenth of such a daily wage. For a laborer with a lower daily wage, the coin was worth relatively more. So, a small amount, but money for which someone had actually worked.
A tangible piece of Dutch history
This coin recalls a time when different regions issued their own coins and money changed hands daily in markets and shops. The silver coin is interesting for collectors of Dutch provincial coins, historical currencies, and objects from the era of the Republic.
An unassuming coin with a special story: not only because of the year 1787, but also because it gives you a glimpse into ordinary economic life at the end of the eighteenth century.
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Object | Double wapenstuiver |
| Year | 1787 |
| Region | West Friesland |
| Period | Dutch Republic |
| Nominal value | 2 stuivers |
| Minting location | Hoorn |
| Material | Silver |
| Silver content | Circa 58.3% |
| Obverse | Inscription WEST FRISIAE 1787 |
| Reverse | Crowned provincial coat of arms with denomination 2 S |
| Use | Historical currency |
| Condition | View the photos for the condition and details of this specimen |
Frequently asked questions
What does WEST FRISIAE mean?
This is the Latin name for West Friesland, the region that issued this coin.
What does 2 S on the coin mean?
The letters stand for two stuivers, the nominal value of the coin.
Is this a VOC coin?
No. This type is a provincial double wapenstuiver from West Friesland. It is not the same type of coin as the larger silver VOC coins that were minted for trade in Asia.
How old is this coin?
The coin dates from 1787 and is therefore approximately 239 years old in 2026.
What makes this coin interesting for collectors?
The year, the provincial origin, and the recognizable combination of the inscription and the crowned coat of arms make this an interesting collectible from the late eighteenth century.