Netherlands, Zeeland Dukaton 1662/1660

Silver Rider – Zeeland – Middelburg – 1662/60 (Republic of the United Netherlands)

Silver Rider minted at Middelburg in the province of Zeeland, under the mint-master Jacob Boreel, bearing the characteristic mint mark of the fortress. This type belongs to the provincial silver Riders that, within the Republic of the United Netherlands (1581–1795), were issued as high-quality trade and payment coins, based on the internationally circulating Rider-type.

The silver Rider represents the economic and military power of the Republic in the 17th century and was struck in several provinces according to local variants. The Zeeland issue is known for its relatively limited production and distinctive stylistic features of the Middelburg mint.

This specimen concerns a particularly rare variant in which the year 1662 is struck over 1660 (1662/60), an overdate that occurs only in exceptional cases and indicates reuse or modification of existing dies within mint production.

Specifications: silver, 32.13 grams, 45 mm.

References: Delmonte (cf. 1024), Verkade 81.1, HNPM (cf. 43), CNM 2.49.56, Davenport 4942. RRR (extremely rare).

Quality: very sharp obverse, with a weakly struck reverse. The overstruck year is clearly visible and forms an important identifying feature of this issue.