Netherlands Indies 100 Gulden 1930 / J.P Coen - Praasterink/Wichers. P.73c , Mev. 136c Jan Pieterszoon Coen (1587–1629) occupies a central and highly debated place in the history of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Born in Hoorn, he rose quickly through the company ranks, known for his organisational skill, uncompromising leadership, and unwavering belief in the VOC’s commercial mission. Coen is best remembered for establishing Batavia (present-day Jakarta) in 1619, transforming it into the administrative and military heart of Dutch operations in Asia. His strategic vision helped shape the VOC into one of the most powerful trading institutions of the seventeenth century. Yet Coen’s legacy is deeply controversial. He pursued VOC dominance with extreme measures, particularly in securing the spice monopoly. His actions on the Banda Islands in 1621 — where he used brutal force to break local resistance. Coen died in Batavia during an outbreak of disease in 1629.