Netherlands, Zeeland Dukaat 1792

Northern Netherlands Republic Zeeland City Middelburg silver ducat 1792

An exceptionally well-preserved silver ducat from Zeeland, struck in 1792 at Middelburg under mintmasters Petronella Slob and Johan Lodewijk Molter. A particularly attractive specimen from the final years of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, with a strikingly sharp and powerful relief.

The coin has circulated only minimally. The armored knight stands boldly and almost completely in relief, with finely detailed features in the armor, the sword, and the surrounding lettering. The reverse also shows strong detailing and a clearly defined depiction. Especially with silver ducats, coins intended for actual circulation as trade money, such a degree of preservation is exceptionally appealing.

This imposing coin belongs to the characteristic large silver pieces of the Republic. The silver ducat was introduced as a trade coin and derived its prestigious appearance from the gold ducat. The standing armored knight embodies the resilience and independence of the Republic, while the provincial characteristics unmistakably link the coin to Zeeland and the minting location Middelburg.

The year 1792 gives the piece extra historical significance. Europe was on the eve of sweeping political changes, and the Republic was nearing its end. Just three years later, in 1795, the old Republic made way for the Batavian Republic. This ducat was thus struck in the final phase of a centuries-old provincial coinage system that was closely tied to the international trading power of the Netherlands.

Struck at Middelburg under mintmasters Petronella Slob and Johan Lodewijk Molter, with the fortress as mintmark and two stars as master-sign.

Delmonte 976 · Verkade 87.1 · HNPM 50 · CNM 2.49.50 · Beuth 1792a · Davenport 1848

An exceptionally well-preserved Zeeland silver ducat, minimally circulated and with a particularly sharp relief. A coin with allure, historical significance, and an unusually high quality for this type.