Dutch East Indies. 10 Stuiver 1786

X Stiver 1786 – NORTHERN NETHERLANDS – Republic of the Seven United Netherlands – DUTCH EAST INDIES – VOC – West Friesland

Silver X stiver (10 stuivers) from the United East India Company, minted in 1786 under the jurisdiction of West-Friesland for use within the Dutch East Indies.

This type noticeably often shows light edge deformities, such as dings or a wavy planchet. Also with this specimen there is a minutely grooved planchet. Since this phenomenon rarely occurs with comparable issues in the homeland, the cause is probably in its overseas use.

A plausible explanation is that the coins were tested locally for silver content by gently pinching or bending them with pliers. If the metal yielded without breaking, it was considered genuine. Such signs of use give these pieces an extra historical character and attest to their circulation in trade within Southeast Asia.

References:
Delmonte 1205b | Scholten 75b | Verkade 1092 | CNO 15.8 | KM 138

A characteristic VOC silver piece with clear traces of actual use in the overseas trade.