Derde gesticht van de kolonie Veenhuizen, huismunt geslagen op last van de Maatschappij van Weldadigheid ter waarde van vijf cent 1818 - 1859

This is a copper coin from an unknown date, minted for use at the Veenhuizen penal colony in the Netherlands. It speaks volumes about the social engineering attempted in the early 19th century. Veenhuizen was not just a prison, but a social experiment. The Maatschappij van Weldadigheid, or Society of Benevolence, aimed to rehabilitate the poor and vagrant through agricultural labor. This coin, worth five cents, was used within the colony, creating a closed economic system. It's a potent symbol of control. Residents were paid for their work, but could only spend their earnings within the colony's confines, reinforcing their dependence. It reflects the complex relationship between charity, control, and social reform of the time. Looking at the history of social welfare and penal systems, the Society's own records, and contemporary accounts can reveal more about the motivations and impact of such institutions. The coin is a reminder that even seemingly small objects can tell big stories about society.