Netherlands, Utrecht 3 Gulden 1794

Republic of the United Netherlands – Utrecht – 3 Guilders 1794

Province of Utrecht • 3 guilders • 1794 • silver • Generality type • rare

Silver 3 guilders 1794 from the province of Utrecht, struck in the final years of the Republic of the United Netherlands. A large silver coin of the Generality type, where the uniform coin standard of the Republic is combined with the designation of Utrecht as the issuing province.

Obverse:
The Dutch Maiden standing, clothed in a richly draped garment. In her right hand she holds the spear with a liberty cap, while her left arm rests on the Bible, placed on a richly ornamented altar. In the border the year 1794.

Inscription:

HANC TVEMVR · HAC NITIMVR

We protect this, on this we rely.

The obverse displays a particularly expressive rendition. The Maiden’s face is clearly modeled, as are her hair, hand, and the folds of the garment. The liberty cap sits powerfully above the scene and the altar, with its separate ornaments and Bible, is explicitly worked out.

Reverse:
Large crowned Generality coat of arms with the Dutch lion, supplied with an elevated sword and a bundle of arrows. On either side the value inscription 3 – GL.

Inscription:

MO : ARG : ORD : FŒD : BELG : TRAI

where TRAI refers to Utrecht (Traiectum).

The reverse possesses a strong heraldic appearance. Within the shield the lion, the raised sword, and the bundled arrows are distinctly recognizable. Above dominates the large crown, whose pearls, fleurs-de-lis, and further ornamentation are visible over a broad area of the coin face.

The 3 guilders, worth sixty stuivers, belonged to the most important large silver denominations of the Republic. The type was produced according to Generality instructions, resulting in weight, fineness, and main design being standardized to a high degree among the participating provinces. The issuing province remained recognizable in the inscription.

With the year 1794, this coin belongs to the very last Utrecht issues under the old republican order. By 1795 the Republic of the United Netherlands gave way to the Batavian Republic, bringing a significant change to the traditional provincial coinage system as well.

The specimen shows a calm silvery-gray patina, with locally darker accents in the recessed parts of letters and the depiction. This creates a natural contrast with the higher relief. Especially the Dutch Maiden and the richly worked altar give the obverse a strong visual depth.

Rare. A characterful Utrecht 3 guilders from 1794, with a richly detailed Dutch Maiden, clearly rendered Generality coat of arms, and a calm silvery-gray patina. A historically engaging large-silver issue from the last full year of the Republic of the United Netherlands.