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

This coin was minted in the Netherlands by an anonymous maker for the Society of Welfare. The object gives us insights into the social engineering projects of the early 19th century. In the wake of the Napoleonic wars, poverty and unemployment were major concerns. Philanthropic societies arose aiming to address these issues through organized charity and moral reform. The Society of Welfare, founded in 1818, established agricultural colonies where the urban poor could be resettled and taught farming skills, and industrious habits. This coin, minted for use within these colonies, served as a form of internal currency. On one side are the initials of the Society and the denomination of 10 cents. On the other side are the initials of the 'General Colonies'. The design, material, and limited circulation of the coin reflect the unique social experiment it was part of. To understand the values and assumptions behind such initiatives, we can research the archives of the Society, study the writings of its founders, and analyze the economic and social conditions of the time. This coin’s meaning is contingent on understanding that context.