Netherlands, Zeeland. Scheepjesschelling 1774

Northern Netherlands – Republic of the Seven United Netherlands – Zeeland – Ship’s Shilling 1774 – Middelburg

Silver Ship’s Shilling, minted in 1774 at Middelburg for the province of Zeeland, under mintmaster Martinus Holtzhey Jr. The dies were produced by Johan Matthias Holtzhey. The coin bears the mintmark burcht (castle), weighs 5.05 grams, has a diameter of 25.5 mm, and is equipped with a cable edge.

The obverse shows a Dutch warship with three masts sailing before the wind, with the Middelburg flag at the stern and the Dutch lion on the shield. The inscription ITA RELINQUENDA UT ACCEPTA means: “It must be left as it is received.” This motto refers to preserving full coin value and warns against clipping or reducing the metal content.

The reverse shows the crowned provincial coat of arms of Zeeland, with the year 1774 above the crown and the denomination 6–ST on both sides. The inscription MON: NOV: ARGENT: ORDIN: ZELAND means: “New silver coin of the States of Zeeland.”

This specimen belongs to type VII with the Middelburg flag, Arabic 1, ARGENT in the inscription, double punctuation on the reverse and no punctuation on the obverse. Additionally, it is the variant in which the outer lozenges of the crown band protrude through the crown band on both sides, a distinguishing feature within this issue.

The Ship’s Shilling is among the most characteristic provincial silver coins of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, and it is cherished for its detailed maritime depiction, which underscores Zeeland’s close connection to the sea and to trade.

The coin is carefully packaged and shipped by registered mail, fully insured.