Strafgevangenis Ommerschans, huismunt geslagen op last van de Maatschappij van Weldadigheid ter waarde van 50 cent 1818 - 1859

This 19th century coin, housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a token used in the Ommerschans prison in the Netherlands. The coin, made of metal and featuring the initials "O.S." on one side and "50" on the other, was used as currency within the prison system. The "Maatschappij van Weldadigheid", a philanthropic organization focused on social reform, commissioned the coin, which served as a form of internal currency for the prisoners. The coin is a fascinating glimpse into the history of prison reform and the use of tokens as currency in unique contexts.