Netherlands, Utrecht Generaliteitsgulden 1764

Utrecht 1764 – Gulden

NORTHERN NETHERLANDS – REPUBLIC (1581–1795)
Province Utrecht | Gulden | 1764

Master of the mint: Johan Ernst Novisadi
Mint mark: city shield of Utrecht

References: Delmonte 1182 | Verkade 111.2 | CNM 2.43.121 | Van der Wiel 39 (JMP 1960) | HNPM 73

An exceptionally attractive Utrecht gulden from 1764, minted during the Dutch Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. Utrecht held an important position as a minting city within the Republic’s monetary system. This gulden provides a characteristic eighteenth-century testament to that system, produced under mint master Johan Ernst Novisadi and recognizable by the city shield of Utrecht as the mint mark.

The obverse bears the Dutch Maiden, standing and facing right. In her right hand she holds a spear with a liberty cap, while her left arm rests on an open Bible placed on a column. A distinctly republican portrayal in which freedom, independence, and the identity of the United Netherlands converge.

The reverse is dominated by the crowned Generality Arms of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, flanked by the year 17–64. In the center appears the Dutch lion with a sword and a bundle of arrows, the tied arrows referring to the unity and combined strength of the seven provinces.

In the present piece the original mint characteristics are strikingly well-preserved. The strong relief, clearly defined outlines, and the finer details in both the Dutch Maiden and the crowned arms give the coin a particularly convincing appearance. The inscriptions also stand out clearly from the coin face.

Remarkably, there is only a minimal degree of wear. The usual softening of the higher parts is barely present, allowing the original modeling and detail of the dies to come into excellent relief. For a gulden that was actually intended for everyday transactions in its time, such preservation is exceptionally appealing.

A unique historical object with an imposing presentation, in which the Utrecht minting of 1764 has been magnificently preserved. A gulden that is distinguished not only by its historical significance but especially by the combination of sharp relief, minimal circulation marks, and exceptionally preserved details—qualities that make this specimen a notable addition to a specialized collection.