Huismunt geslagen op last van de Maatschappij van Weldadigheid ter waarde van ½ cent, ten behoeve van de Gewone Koloniën 1818 - 1859

This half-cent coin was struck in the Netherlands on behalf of the Society of Benevolence. It was meant for use in the so-called ‘Ordinary Colonies.’ The Society of Benevolence was a private organization founded in 1818 with the goal of combating poverty through agricultural colonization. The society acquired large tracts of land where poor families could be housed and employed. It was intended to provide a stable, moral environment. In reality, the colonies were often regimented and restrictive and the residents were subjected to strict discipline. The coin features the abbreviation 'M.v.W' for Maatschappij van Weldadigheid, and the abbreviation 'GK' for Gewone Koloniën. These symbols, although intended to represent benevolence and order, also spoke of the power dynamics inherent in such social reform projects. Understanding the context of this coin requires looking into the records of the Society of Benevolence, the history of poverty relief in the Netherlands, and the experiences of those who lived in the colonies. This object serves as a reminder that art and design are often embedded in complex social and political contexts, and that historical research is essential for a deeper understanding.