Zeeuwse duit, 1736 1736

This is a 'Zeeuwse duit', made in the province of Zeeland in 1736. It’s a small coin, just over two centimeters in diameter, and made of silver. The material is key to understanding its function. Silver was a precious metal, and minting coins from it was a way to create a standardized form of value, which then greased the wheels of commerce. Look closely, and you'll see the inscription 'Zeelandia' surrounding the date, signifying its origin. The coin was likely produced in large numbers using metal dies, a relatively industrial process for the time. Consider the labor involved in extracting the silver from the earth, refining it, designing the die, striking the coins, and distributing them. All of this activity speaks to the increasing complexities of early capitalism. So, next time you handle a coin, remember that it is not just money. It is a material object with a rich story to tell.