Westfriese dubbele stuiver, 1785 1785

The ‘Westfriese dubbele stuiver’ was struck in 1785 by the regional government of West Friesland as a form of local currency. At the time, the Dutch Republic was a confederation of semi-independent provinces, each with its own distinct identity and economic interests. This coin embodies the intersection of regional autonomy and economic power. The inscription ‘West Frisia’ asserts a distinct regional identity. What stories could this coin tell about the everyday lives of people living in West Friesland during a time of political and economic change? Did they feel a sense of regional pride? How did this currency facilitate or complicate their economic transactions? In its own way, this unassuming coin invites us to consider how seemingly simple objects can encapsulate complex histories and identities. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of understanding the local contexts that shape our world.