Zeeuwse stuiver, 1761 1761

This is a Zeeuwse stuiver, a coin made of silver in the province of Zeeland in 1761. Coins offer a fascinating insight into the economic and political history of a region. This stuiver reflects the complex social structures of the Dutch Republic during the 18th century. Zeeland, as a province, had the authority to mint its own coins, signifying a degree of regional autonomy within the larger republic. The very act of producing currency speaks to Zeeland's economic activity, likely tied to its maritime trade and the Dutch East India Company. The design of the coin, with its inscriptions, would have been carefully chosen to convey messages of regional identity and authority. To fully understand the role this stuiver played, historians consult archival records, economic data, and numismatic studies. By examining such artifacts, we gain insight into the everyday lives and economic systems of past societies.