Netherlands, Enkhuizen Scheepjesschelling 1678

Northern Netherlands – West Frisia (Enkhuizen) – Scheepjesschelling 1678

Scheepjesschelling struck in 1678 in the chartered coinage of Enkhuizen, part of the West Frisia minting within the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. This coin belongs to the characteristic provincial silver issues and was struck under mintmaster 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 legend reads: DEVS FORTITVDO ET SPES NOSTRA (“God is our strength and hope”).

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

West Frisia formed within the Republic a special legal and administrative entity within Holland, with its own (shared) coinage from the towns Hoorn, Enkhuizen and Medemblik. This cooperation in coin production continued until 1796, after which the autonomous West Frisia minting was terminated.

With this specimen there are clear striking deviations visible that may indicate a double strike or a die difference/misaligned strike, which makes the piece extra interesting from a numismatic perspective. Such deviations can arise from the coin shifting during striking or from wear or re positioning of the dies.

References

* Verkade 72.4
* Pannekeet 73
* HNPM 81
* ERA

A special and visually powerful specimen with attractive strike characteristics and possible die irregularity, which gives the piece extra collector value and character within the West Frisia scheepjesschellingen.