Huismunt geslagen op last van de Maatschappij van Weldadigheid ter waarde van 50 cent, ten behoeve van de Gewone Koloniën 1818 - 1859

This coin was commissioned by the Maatschappij van Weldadigheid, a Dutch philanthropic organization, for use in its "Ordinary Colonies". The coin is a fascinating material record of social reform in the Netherlands. The organization was founded in 1818 to address poverty through agricultural colonies. These colonies were intended to provide the urban poor with work, housing, and education, but in practice were often sites of exploitation and control. The letters "M.V.W." and "G.K" stand for "Maatschappij van Weldadigheid" and "Gewone Koloniën" respectively. The coin was intended for use within the colonies as a form of internal currency worth 50 cents. Examining such objects helps us better understand the complex power dynamics and institutional structures that shape social reform. The historical context, including the organization's records and the experiences of the colonists, are invaluable resources for further research.