Werkhuis te Amsterdam, huismunt ter waarde van 1 cent 1824 - 1837

This is a one cent coin from the Werkhuis in Amsterdam. This 'workhouse' was more than just a place of labor; it was an institution deeply embedded in the social fabric of its time. The Werkhuis was a response to increasing urbanization and poverty, aiming to instill discipline and provide work for the unemployed, often compelling women, children and the vagrant to work in exchange for food and lodging. These coins symbolize an attempt to provide a parallel economy within its walls. The coin is a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play, reflecting societal attitudes toward poverty, labor, and moral reform. On one side is the coat of arms of Amsterdam, on the other is the text ‘Werkhuis Amsterdam, house coin worth 1 cent’ in reference to the purpose-built currency. The history of the coin shows how notions of work, value, and social responsibility were constructed and enforced, and how these systems affect individual experiences of marginalization and resistance.