Netherlands, Kampen Dukaton 1742

Republic of the United Netherlands – Silver Rider 1742 – Overijssel, Kampen

Silver rider struck in 1742 at Kampen for the province of Overijssel, during the period of the Republic of the United Netherlands (1581–1795). This impressive silver coin belongs to the famous riders and is struck in high-quality silver with a weight of approximately 32.47 grams and a diameter of 44 mm. The coin was minted under mint master Coenraad Hendrik Cramer, recognizable by the mint mark of a crane standing to the left.

On the obverse is depicted a armored and helmeted knight on horseback to the right, with a sash around, a raised sword in the right hand and the reins in the left hand. Below is the provincial coat of arms of Overijssel, surrounded by the Latin inscription MO:NO:ARG:CONFOE:BELG:PRO:TRANSISALANIÆ, which refers to the silver coinage of the United Dutch Provinces for Overijssel.

The reverse shows the crowned Generality Coat of Arms, held by two frontally facing crowned lions. Under the arms sits the year within a cartouche of leaf ornament, surrounded by the motto CONCORDIA RES PARVAE CRESCUNT, meaning: “In harmony small things grow.”

This specimen originates from the cargo of the VOC ship Hollandia, a spiegelretourschip that was built in 1742 for the Amsterdam Chamber and departed in 1743 toward Batavia with a considerable silver cargo on board. The ship perished on 13 July 1743 near the Scilly Islands after navigational errors and wrong course, striking Gunner Rock and sinking rapidly with no survivors. The cargo remained undiscovered for centuries until the wreck was found in 1971 by Rex Cowan. Among the finds were approximately 35,000 silver coins, including this example of the Silver Rider.

Very attractive specimen.