VOC Copper Doit | Middelburg | Dated 1745 (visible) – Dutch East India Company

Rare and distinctive copper duit from the United East India Company (VOC), featuring the iconic VOC monogram and the clearly visible year 1745. Above the monogram is the small castle, the traditional mint mark of Middelburg (Zeeland) , which directly links this coin to the mint in Middelburg.

Features

• Issuer: United East India Company (VOC)

• Mint / mint mark: Middelburg (castle)

• Material: Copper

• Denomination: Duit

• Date: 1745 (visible in relief)

• Obverse: VOC monogram with Middelburg mint mark and year

• Condition: Circulated, natural patina and light traces of verdigris consistent with age

Background 

The VOC (1602–1799) was the powerful Dutch trading company that maintained a global trade network between Europe and Asia. For trade and local economies in the colonies, the Company minted its own coins, including copper duiten. Middelburg was one of the cities where these coins were minted; the small castle above the monogram is the recognizable mint mark that indicates this.

Such duiten were widely used in the Dutch East Indies and other VOC territories in the 18th century.

• Diameter (approximate): approx. 20–22 mm (standard duit size)

• Condition: visibly circulated; clear relief features (monogram, mint mark, year) 

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