Curaçao – 1 Stuiver (1822) – King Willem I During this period, Curaçao was a vital hub for trade in the Caribbean. Because there was often a shortage of small change, the Dutch government issued these specific copper coins to stabilize the local economy. The Design: Obverse: Features the crowned Netherlands Shield (a lion rampant holding a sword and arrows). The legend reads WILLEM KONING DER NED. G. H. V. L. (Willem, King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg). Reverse: Displays the denomination 1 STUIVER and the date 1822 inside a simple, elegant wreath. The "Colonial Utility": These coins were workhorses of the Caribbean. They were struck at the Utrecht Mint (look for the "Mercury staff" mint mark) specifically for the colonies.