© Heritage Auctions Europe
© Heritage Auctions Europe
¼ Gulden
1574 year| Cardboard (paper) | - | 30 mm |
| Issuer | Leiden (Dutch States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1574 |
| Value | ¼ Gulden |
| Currency | Gulden (1581-1795) |
| Composition | Cardboard (paper) |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Countermarked |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#136242 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
A wreath surrounding a four-lined tekst.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
LVG
DVNVM
BATAVO
RVM
Translation: Brittenburg
Comment
Made from pages from Catholic prayer books that were cut into planchet-size circles and multiple pieces of paper then stamped with dies then counterstamped often with the Holland coat-of-arms. These coind became the first European State-issued paper money.
Sections of the prayer books visible on a coin that came apart:
Interesting fact
This coin was issued during a time of economic crisis in the Dutch States, when there was a shortage of precious metals used to mint coins. To address this issue, the government decided to mint coins made of cardboard, which was a more affordable and accessible material at the time. The use of cardboard for coins was not unique to the Dutch States, as other countries also used similar materials during times of economic hardship. However, the ¼ Gulden 1574 from Leiden is particularly notable for its historical significance and rarity, making it a highly sought-after collector's item among numismatists.
