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 issued by the Society of Welfare as a local currency for the so-called 'Ordinary Colonies'. The coin's circular form, a conventional shape for currency, is here imbued with a deeper significance. Its simple design, featuring only the initials 'MVW' for the Society and 'GK' for 'Gewone Koloniën' alongside its value, emphasizes functionality over aesthetics. The choice of a base metal and the rough texture further strip away any notions of luxury, rooting it firmly in its intended use within a closed economic system. The coin's very existence challenges traditional notions of value, creating a local, parallel economy that raises fundamental questions about the control and distribution of wealth. Its crude materiality hints at the broader societal structures it supported, prompting reflection on social engineering and economic autonomy.