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

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

Features

• Issuer: Dutch East India Company (VOC)

• Minting place / mint mark: Middelburg (castle)

• Material: Copper

• Denomination: Duit

• Date: 1745 (visible in the relief)

• Obverse: VOC monogram with Middelburg mint mark and year

• Condition: Used, natural patina and slight signs of wear 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 duits. Middelburg was one of the cities where these coins were minted; the small castle above the monogram is the recognizable mint mark indicating this.

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

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

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