Nederland, Willemstad Bakenlood 1733 (No reserve price)

Beacon lead token from Willemstad (1733)

As noted in the ordinance of 1696 (see last image), the maintenance of the beacon outside the Water Gate of Willemstad was leased. To monitor the collection of the beacon tax, lead tokens were issued. These beacon lead tokens appeared annually and made it possible to distinguish between different types of ships and the corresponding rates.

This specimen bears the value of 12 shillings and was intended for, among others, pleiten, drimmelaars, bijlanders, aarsvelders, smalschepen and other ships with a cargo capacity of 20 or more Dutch lasten, as well as turf ships with a capacity of 500 tons or more.

Front: WW / 12 st / 1733
Reverse: Coat of arms, this is almost not visible
Diameter: 20 mm
Remarks: Perforation
Material: lead

Reference:
Allex Kussendrager, Bakenloden - Voor een veilige route door de Noordelijke Nederlanden, Willemstad type BA, p. 88.

See the photos for a good impression of the condition and details of this object.