Original VOC Ducat 1787 - Gelderland – Copper Trade Coin of the Dutch East India Company

Imagine...

It is 1787. In the port of Batavia, ships are unloading cargo from the Netherlands. Sailors receive their wages, merchants settle accounts for goods, and market women sell their wares at busy colonial markets. In a sailor's pouch, a handful of copper coins rattles, including this VOC duit.

At that time, the United East India Company is still one of the most powerful trading organizations in the world. No one realizes, however, that the company is only a few years away from its downfall. This coin therefore belongs to the last generation of VOC money that actually circulated within the immense trading network of the VOC.

Product description

This original VOC duit from 1787 is an authentic copper coin from the final years of the United East India Company. On the obverse, the famous VOC monogram is visible, the trademark of the most powerful trading company in Dutch history. The reverse shows the provincial coat of arms beneath a crown.

What makes this coin special is not only its age of over 235 years, but above all its historical context. VOC duiten were minted specifically for use in the company's overseas territories. They served as the daily currency for soldiers, sailors, colonists, and local merchants in places including Batavia, Ceylon, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Indonesian archipelago.

The coin has a beautiful dark patina with traces of prolonged circulation and natural oxidation. This appearance, formed over centuries, gives the object exactly the historical charm collectors are looking for.

A small piece of copper that was once part of one of the largest trading networks in world history.

Historical context

Initially, VOC ships carried ordinary Dutch coins to Asia. However, an unexpected problem arose there: Dutch duiten turned out to be worth considerably more in the colonies than in the Republic itself. This led to large-scale smuggling by VOC personnel, who secretly carried copper coins to sell them for a profit.

To prevent this, the VOC was granted permission to have its own coins minted. This is how the famous VOC duiten came about, recognizable by the large VOC logo.

These coins were intended exclusively for use within the company's colonial trading area and were officially not allowed to circulate as currency in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, they are sometimes found in Dutch soil, presumably lost by returning sailors who still had a few colonial coins in their possession.

This duit from 1787 was minted during a period when the VOC was still active, but its glory days were slowly fading. Just twelve years later, in 1799, the company was dissolved.

Features

• Original VOC duit from 1787
• Minted for use within the VOC trading area
• Obverse with recognizable VOC monogram
• Reverse with crowned coat of arms of Gelderland
• Final phase of the VOC period
• Authentic dark patina
• Interesting collectible for enthusiasts of Dutch maritime history

Specifications

Object: VOC duit
Date: 1787
Material: Copper
Issuing authority: United East India Company (VOC)
Origin: Dutch Republic / VOC territory
Obverse: VOC monogram with year 1787
Reverse: Crowned coat of arms
Condition: Good authentic condition with wear, oxidation, and historical patina appropriate for its age

Where does this coin look its best?

This VOC duit is a beautiful collectible for enthusiasts of Dutch history, maritime trade, colonial coins, and archaeological finds. It is also special as a small historical object in a display case, curiosity collection, or alongside other VOC-related pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this an original VOC coin?

Yes, this is an authentic VOC duit from 1787.

Why is there a VOC logo on the coin?

The VOC was granted permission to mint its own coins for use within its trading areas in Asia and other overseas territories.

Why is the coin so dark in color?

Due to centuries of oxidation, the copper has developed a natural dark patina. This is normal and is often appreciated by collectors.

Was this coin used in the Netherlands?

Officially, VOC duiten were intended for use in the colonies. Nevertheless, some specimens returned to the Netherlands via sailors and merchants.

Is the year still visible?

Yes, the year 1787 is still clearly recognizable on the coin.

Read more about the VOC?
Would you like to know more about the lives of VOC sailors, the wages on board, and the ultimate downfall of the United East India Company?

A day on board a VOC ship

How much did a VOC sailor earn?

The downfall of the VOC