Strafgevangenis Ommerschans, huismunt geslagen op last van de Maatschappij van Weldadigheid ter waarde van ½ cent before 1830

This is a half-cent token minted for the Strafgevangenis Ommerschans, a prison in the Netherlands. The prison was operated by the Maatschappij van Weldadigheid, a philanthropic organization that sought to reform criminals through hard labor. This token, dating from before 1830, is a fascinating artifact from a period when prison reform was a growing concern, and it provides a glimpse into the daily life of inmates at the Ommerschans. The coin is a simple, circular token made of metal and bears the inscription "1/2 C" and "O" on opposite sides, indicating its value and origin. The token serves as a reminder of a bygone era of prison reform and the social impact of philanthropy.