1734 Dutch VOC Copper Duit

The Dutch Eat India Company, known by its initials VOC, began in 1602 to trade in spices. In 1609, Henry Hudson, while exploring for VOC, discovered New York harbor and the Hudson River, resulting in many Dutch settlements in the area. By the 1700's, with its sovereign powers, VOC exported good and spices from a dozen Asian countries, held territories, employed 36,000 people, built 1,500 ships, maintained a small army and navy, and minted currency. This copper duit coin was minted by the VOC for its colonies, It is often referred to as the "first New York Penny"

To fulfill a shortage of currency in its expanding territories, from 1726 to 1794, copper duits were struck at provincial mints in The Netherlands. Coins showing the VOC monogram and the coats of arms of Holland, West Friesland, Zeeland and Utrecht were minted for circulation in The Dutch East Indies, India, Ceylon and Malacca. This genuine VOC duit originated in one of these four mints. In their day, these historical coins traveled around the globe by tall ships and are still discovered

today in former Dutch colonies and at VOC shipwreck sites.

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.