Hollandse dubbele stuiver, 1723 1723

This double stuiver coin was produced in the province of Holland in 1723. It's a small object, just two centimeters in diameter and weighing less than two grams, but it speaks volumes about the society that produced it. Look closely, and you'll see the crowned lion, symbol of the province, along with the inscription "Hollandia" and the year of minting. Coins like this were not just currency; they were tools of statecraft. Their imagery broadcasted political power, economic stability, and regional identity. In the Dutch Republic, a confederation of provinces, each minted its own coins, reflecting a decentralized political landscape. The study of these coins allows historians to delve into the economic and political life of the Dutch Republic. Numismatic collections, archival records, and period publications can all help us understand the social and institutional contexts that shaped this tiny but significant artifact.