Netherlands, Enkhuizen Scheepjesschelling 1678

Northern Netherlands – West Friesland (Enkhuizen) – Scheepjesschelling 1678

Scheepjesschelling struck in 1678 in the chartered mint of Enkhuizen, part of the West Frisian coinage within the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. This coin belongs to the characteristic provincial silver issues and was struck under the master of mint David Hagenet. The dies are attributed to the Amsterdam die-sinker Christoffel Adolphi, which contributes to the high quality and refinement of this type.

The obverse shows a warship sailing before the wind with the Dutch tricolor at the stern. The inscription reads: DEVS FORTITVDO ET SPES NOSTRA (“God is our strength and hope”).

The reverse shows the crowned arms of West Friesland, flanked by the denomination 6–S, with surrounding the inscription MO:NO:ORDIN•WEST•FRISIÆ 1678.

West Friesland formed within the Republic as a special legal and administrative entity within Holland, with a shared minting from the towns of Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Medemblik. This collaboration in coin production remained in place until 1796, after which the autonomous West Frisian minting was terminated.

With this specimen there are clear striking irregularities visible that may indicate a double strike or a die variation/error strike, which makes the piece extra interesting from a numismatic perspective. Such irregularities can arise from movement of the coin during striking or from wear or repositioning of the dies.

References

* Verkade 72.4
* Pannekeet 73
* HNPM 81
* ERA

A special and visually powerful specimen with attractive strike features and possible die variation, which gives the piece extra collector value and character within the West Frisian ship money shinings.