Netherlands, West Friesland Scheepjesschelling 1745

Holland – Extremely rare ship shilling 1745

Republic of the Seven United Netherlands (1581–1795)

Mint place: Holland
Year: 1745
Mint Master: Otto Buck

An extremely rare ship’s shilling from 1745, struck under the States of Holland and West Friesland. A splendid historical specimen with an attractive patina and a characteristic depiction of a Dutch warship.

Obverse:
An imposing warship, with full sails, sailing to the right. On the stern the Dutch flag waves. Surrounding the Latin motto:

VIGILATE DEO CONFIDENTES

Translation: Be vigilant, trusting in God.

This historic motto originates from the time of the Dutch Revolt and was later the motto of the States of Holland. To this day it is associated with the province of South Holland.

Reverse:
The crowned provincial coat of arms of Holland, flanked by the split denomination indicator 6 (stuivers). The year 1745 is also shown divided.

Legend:

MO: NO: ORD: HOLL: ET WESTFRI.

Full: Moneta Nova Ordinum Hollandiae et Westfrisiae.

Translation: New coin of the States of Holland and West-Friesland.

Historical note

The depicted warship symbolizes the maritime power of the Republic. The Dutch war fleet played a decisive role in the struggle for independence and the development of the Republic into a world power at sea.

From 1700 these ship’s shillings were minted exclusively for use by the United East India Company (VOC), for use in Southeast Asia. Thus this coin forms a tangible reminder of Dutch commercial history and the overseas presence of the Republic.

Extremely rare year 1745

The ship shilling of 1745 belongs to the particularly hard-to-find years within this historical coin series. A desirable collectible, partly due to its rarity, maritime depiction and beautiful historical appearance.

A splendid addition for the specialized collector of Holland provincial coins, VOC coins and the numismatics of the Republic.