Netherlands. Willem II. 1/2 Gulden 1848

½ Gulden 1848 – Willem II

Kingdom of the Netherlands | Silver

Silver half gulden from 1848, struck during the reign of King Willem II.

An attractive 19th-century issue from Willem II's last full year on the throne. The distinctive portrait of the king dominates the obverse, while the reverse shows the crowned Dutch national coat of arms.

This specimen appears to have circulated only minimally. The coin portraits come out sharp and clear and the surface has a lively appearance. A few tiny hairlines are present and are noted for completeness.

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Obverse

The portrait of King Willem II to the right, with his characteristic features and a carefully detailed hairstyle.

Around the portrait the inscription:

WILLEM II KONING DER NED. G.H.V.L.

Below the neck line the name of the engraver.

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Reverse

Centered, the crowned Dutch national coat of arms, with the Dutch lion equipped with a sword and a bundle of arrows.

To the sides of the shield the denomination:

½ – G

Below the coat of arms the year:

1848

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Specifications

Country: Netherlands
Period: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Ruler: Willem II
Reign: 1840–1849
Year: 1848
Nominal value: ½ gulden
Metal: Silver
Fineness: 945/1000
Fine silver weight: 4.73 grams
Weight: 5.00 grams
Diameter: 22 mm

References: Schulman 531 · LSch. 410 · KM 73.1

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Historical context

The 1848 half gulden was minted in one of the most significant years of Willem II's reign.

In that same year, the sweeping constitutional revision of 1848 took place. This fundamentally changed the Dutch state structure and laid the groundwork for the parliamentary constitutional monarchy as the Netherlands would develop it further.

Willem II had already died in 1849, making 1848 also his last full year on the throne.

That historical context gives this half gulden an extra dimension. A silver coin from a key year in Dutch history, which also gives the impression of having circulated only minimally in monetary transactions.