Netherlands, Holland 1/2 Gulden 1759

Northern Netherlands – Republic – Holland – ¼ guilder 1759 – Dordrecht

Silver · ¼ guilder · 1759 · Dordrecht · cable edge

A notably sharply executed quarter guilder from Holland, struck at Dordrecht in 1759. The specimen stands out for a powerful strike, refined centering, richly present relief, and the characteristic cable edge, prominently visible around the circumference.

Obverse:
Crowned shield of Holland with the rising lion, the sword raised and the bundle of arrows in the other paw. The year 17 – 59 sits on either side of the shield. Surrounding the inscription:

MO : ARG : ORD : FŒD : BELG : HOLL

Reverse:
Standing Dutch Maiden in richly draped garments, leaning against an ornate column. In her raised hand she holds a spear with a Phrygian cap of freedom, one of the quintessential symbols of liberty and independence within the Republic. Surrounding the inscription:

HANC TVEMVR • HAC NITIMVR

Freely translated: We protect this, we lean on this.

The quarter guilder represented five stivers and belonged to the silver denominations of the Republic. The type characteristic ally unites the political imagery of the eighteenth-century Republic: the crowned Holland shield on one side and the Dutch Maiden with the cap of freedom on the other.

In this specimen, particular attention deserves the strong execution of the main representations. The Dutch lion is pronounced in the coin field, with the sword, bundle of arrows, and body contours clearly defined. The large crown above the shield also shows numerous individual ornaments. On the reverse the Dutch Maiden stands out strongly, with much detail in the face, the drapery, the spear with the cap of freedom, and the richly adorned column. The inscriptions are also convincingly present around the edge.

The surface exhibits a uniform silver-gray patina with subtle greenish-gray nuances. In the recessed areas the toning is slightly darker, thereby enhancing the high relief and the fine details. The combination of the calm patina and the lighter raised areas gives the coin pronounced depth and a well-preserved, authentic appearance.

An interesting distinguishing feature is the cable edge. In combination with the powerful strike, refined centering, and the richly present relief, this edge treatment bestows the specimen with a particularly strong overall presentation.

An strikingly appealing quarter guilder with richly preserved relief, sharply defined principal designs, an almost fully present edge, and a calm, naturally appearing silver-gray patina. A specimen that by its powerful execution and visual depth immediately stands out.

Holland · Dordrecht · 1759 · ¼ guilder · silver · cable edge