Netherlands, Holland 1/4 Gulden 1759

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

Silver · ¼ gulden · 1759 · Dordrecht · cable edge

A strikingly sharply executed quarter gulden from Holland, struck at Dordrecht in 1759. The specimen is distinguished by a powerful strike, careful centering, richly present relief and the characteristic cable edge, which is prominently visible around the perimeter.

Obverse:
Crowned shield of Holland with the climbing lion, sword raised and the bundle of arrows in the other claw. The year 17 – 59 sits on either side of the shield. Around the legend:
MO : ARG : ORD : FŒD : BELG : HOLL

Reverse:
Standing Dutch Maiden in richly draped dress, leaning against an ornate column. In her raised hand she holds a spear with a liberty cap, one of the characteristic symbols of freedom and independence within the Republic. Around the legend:
HANC TVEMVR • HAC NITIMVR

Loosely translated: We protect this, we rest on this.

The quarter gulden represented five stuivers and belonged to the silver denominations of the Republic. The type uniquely combines the political visual language of the eighteenth-century Republic: the crowned Holland coat of arms on one side and the Dutch Maiden with liberty cap on the other.

For this specimen, particular attention is deserved for the powerful rendering of the main designs. The Dutch lion stands strongly in the planchet, with sword, bundle of arrows and body contours clearly delineated. The large crown above the coat of arms also shows numerous separate ornaments. On the reverse, the Dutch Maiden is strongly expressed, with much detail in the face, the folds of clothing, the spear with liberty cap and the richly adorned column. The legends are also convincingly present around.

The surface shows an even silvery-gray patina with subtle bluish-green nuances. In the recessed areas the toning is slightly darker, further emphasizing the high relief and the fine details. The combination of a calm patina and lighter raised areas gives the coin pronounced depth and a well-kept, authentic appearance.

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

An unusually appealing quarter gulden with richly preserved relief, sharply defined main designs, an almost completely present edge, and a calm, naturally appearing silver-gray patina. A specimen that, due to its powerful execution and visual depth, immediately catches the eye.