Description
Dutch Republic, the Seven United Netherlands, Silver Three Gulden (31.61g, 41mm), 1794, Utrecht mint. Obverse: Shield of Arms of the Dutch Republic surmounted by crown, denomination “3 GL.” either side, legend surrounds, “MO: ARG: ORD: FŒD: BELG: TRAI·”. Reverse: Dutch Virgin stands facing forward, head turned slightly to right, draped and cuirassed and wearing plumed helmet, holding spear in right hand, upon which the Cap of Liberty lies, and her right arm rests upon the Holy Bible which is set upon an ornamented pillar; date in exergue, legend surrounds, “HAC NITIMVR HANC TVEMVR”. Davenport-1852, KM-117. Awash with a pleasing steel grey patina, particularly well and evenly struck with masterful visual appeal, details Extremely Fine.
The Obverse Latin legend reads “Monēta argentea ōrdinum foederātōrum Belgicārum, trāiectum”, with an English meaning of “Silver money of the federated Provinces of Belgium, Utrecht”. The reverse Latin legend reads “hāc nītimur hanc tuēmur”, with an English meaning of “On her we lean, her we protect”.
Although the Dutch One Gulden was the chosen money piece mentioned within the Australian Proclamation document of 1800 by Philip Gidley King, the Governor of New South Wales, the fractionals and higher denominations are accepted as part of the ‘wider series’. Therefore, within Colonial Australia, the Dutch Three Gulden had a theoretical revaluation to Six Shillings.