Dutch East India Co. | Copper Duit

These copper duit coins were issued by the Dutch East India Company (VOC), one of history’s most powerful trading entities, which controlled vast portions of global trade during the 17th and 18th centuries. The coins, minted in VOC-controlled locations such as Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka), and the Cape of Good Hope, feature the distinctive VOC monogram and the date of minting on the obverse, with the Dutch coat of arms on the reverse. Low in denomination, they were widely circulated within VOC territories and used extensively in international trade.

The Dutch East India Company was founded in 1602 with the goal of monopolizing trade between the Dutch Republic and the resource-rich East Indies, which included parts of modern Indonesia, Malaysia, India, and China. With its vast fleet and private army, the VOC not only dominated trade routes but also established settlements, controlled local economies, and played a significant role in the colonization of the East Indies.

At its peak, the VOC was one of the most influential commercial entities in history, shaping global trade and European expansion. However, its dominance began to wane in the 18th century as competing powers like Britain and France rose to challenge its monopoly. By 1799, the VOC was dissolved, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and economic impact on both the East Indies and Europe.

Ancient Artifacts guarantees the Authenticity of items sold through a three layer system of protection: 

1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

Your Dutch East India Company Copper Doit will look very similar to the ones shown in the photos. There will always be some variety, given our items are unique historical pieces. The display case included is openable so that you may easily handle and closely observe the artifact.If for whatever reason you get anything that does not fit this description you are entitled to your money back! 

Colonial-era coins, minted during the period of European colonization in the Americas (16th–18th centuries), were mass-produced to support the growing economies of colonies and facilitate trade across vast empires. These coins were typically made of durable metals like silver, gold, and copper, using presses or hammered techniques that allowed for large-scale production. 

Owning a colonial-era coin today is possible due to their durability, widespread use, and the frequency with which they were hoarded or lost during their time of circulation. Many coins were made of precious metals, which not only ensured their resilience to corrosion but also motivated individuals to preserve them as stores of value. Hoards of coins buried for safekeeping or lost in shipwrecks have been discovered over the centuries, contributing to their availability in the modern market. Additionally, their use across large geographical areas, especially coins like the Spanish dollar, means that colonial coins were widely dispersed, increasing their chances of survival.