Huismunt geslagen op last van de Maatschappij van Weldadigheid ter waarde van 1 gulden, ten behoeve van de Gewone Koloniën 1818 - 1859

This copper coin was struck anonymously for the Society of Benevolence, probably in the early 19th century. The Society was a private organization in the Netherlands whose goal was to reduce poverty through a program of internal colonization. The coin represents a token worth one guilder, or 100 cents, which could be used at the Society’s “Ordinary Colonies.” The letters on either side denote ‘Maatschappij van Weldadigheid’ and ‘Gewone Koloniën’. These intentional communities sought to rehabilitate the poor by putting them to work in agriculture and industry. The project was inspired by enlightenment ideals, but also by fears of social unrest. The settlements functioned as a kind of social laboratory. This coin represents a fascinating chapter in the history of social welfare. Investigating the archives of the Society, alongside other sources, will help us understand the mindset behind this ambitious attempt to reshape the lives of the poor.