Netherlands, Utrecht 3 Gulden 1793

Kingdom of the Netherlands 3 guilders 1793 Utrecht – silver provincial issue with symbols of freedom

3 guilders, dated 1793, minted in Utrecht within the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, in the twilight of the provincial monetary system. A representative silver coin from a period in which provincial identity was still strongly expressed within the united federation.

The obverse shows the crowned coat of arms of the United Provinces, with the denomination “3 GL.” and the Latin legend MO: ARG: ORD: FŒD: BELG: TRAI, referring to the silver coinage of the confederated Dutch provinces minted in Utrecht. The reverse depicts a standing female figure, leaning on a Bible placed on a column, with a spear and a liberty cap, a powerful allegory of liberty and the rule of law. In the legend is the motto HAC NITIMUR HANC TUEMUR, while the year 1793 marks the historical context of the late-Republican period. At the end of the legend is the small coat of arms of Utrecht as the mintmark.

Struck in silver 0.920 with a weight of 31.82 grams and a diameter of 41 mm, produced with hammered technique and medal alignment. Edge finished with a wire-like pattern. Literature: Delmonte 1150; Davenport 1852.

A characteristic and attractively executed provincial silver coin, in which the combination of state symbolism, classical allegory and high-quality silver execution aptly reflects the political and economic identity of the late Republic.