Zeeuwse duit, 1765 1765

This is a copper Zeeuwse duit, made in 1765 by the province of Zeeland. Minting coins involves a fascinating interplay of design and industrial production, with the material itself bearing witness to broader economic and political forces. Think about the properties of copper itself: relatively soft, easily stamped. This makes it ideal for mass production, allowing for the clear impression of Zeeland’s name, and the date, 1765. The very circular format speaks to a need for uniformity, so these coins could be easily counted and traded. Copper's reddish tone, which dulls over time, also connects to the history of use, each coin carrying traces of past transactions. Coinage like this represents a significant step in the development of capitalism. It moved economic exchange from localized bartering to a more abstract system of value. A coin may seem like a small thing, but it embodies a whole world of labor, politics, and consumption. By considering the material and making of this coin, we gain insight into the social and economic context of the Dutch Republic in the 18th century.