Netherlands, Utrecht Generaliteitsgulden 1764

NORTHERN NETHERLANDS – REPUBLIC (1581–1795)
Province of Utrecht | Gulden | 1764

Mintmaster: Johan Ernst Novisadi
Mintmark: city shield of Utrecht

References: Delmonte 1182 | Verkade 111.2 | CNM 2.43.121 | Van der Wiel 39 (JMP 1960) | HNPM 73

An exceptionally attractive Utrecht Gulden from 1764, struck during the period of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. Utrecht occupied an important position within the monetary system of the Republic as a minting place. This Gulden forms a characteristic eighteenth-century testimony, produced under mintmaster Johan Ernst Novisadi and recognizable by the city shield of Utrecht as its mintmark.

The obverse bears the Dutch Maiden, standing and facing right. In her right hand she holds a spear with a liberty cap, while her left arm rests on an open Bible laid upon a pillar. A distinctly republican portrayal in which liberty, independence, and the identity of the United Netherlands come together.

The reverse is dominated by the crowned Generality arms of the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, flanked by the year 17 – 64. In the center stands the Dutch lion with a sword and bundle of arrows, the tied arrows referring to the unity and shared strength of the seven provinces.

With this specimen, the original features of the strike have been remarkably well preserved. The bold relief, the clearly delineated contours, and the finer details in both the Dutch Maiden and the crowned arms give the coin an especially convincing appearance. The legends also come forward sharply and clearly from the coin surface.

Notably, there is also the minimal degree of circulation. The usual softening of the higher features is barely present, allowing the original modeling and detailing of the dies to speak particularly well. For a Gulden that in its time was actually intended for everyday transactions, such a degree of preservation is especially appealing.

A unique historic object with an impressive presentation, in which the Utrecht minting of 1764 is magnificently preserved. A Gulden that distinguishes itself not only by its historical significance but especially by the combination of sharp relief, minimal circulation marks, and exceptionally preserved details—qualities that make this specimen a pronounced addition to a specialized collection.