1 Duit

Historical Context: The 1644 Kampen 1 Duit was issued during the Dutch Golden Age, towards the close of the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), which established the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. Kampen, a former Hanseatic city in Overijssel, maintained economic autonomy. This copper denomination served as essential small change, facilitating daily transactions and underscoring Kampen's civic authority and economic vitality during a period of national prosperity.

Artistry: The engraver for this common denomination is unrecorded, but its design reflects the practical, heraldic aesthetic of mid-17th century Northern European coinage. The obverse typically displays Kampen’s iconic city gate, often with three towers, symbolizing its fortified status. The reverse commonly features a crowned lion rampant, representing the Generality or provincial lion of Overijssel. The style is functional, prioritizing clear identification of the issuer over elaborate artistic flourishes, characteristic of utilitarian coinage.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a copper planchet (2.06 grams, 19 millimeters), this Duit often shows characteristics typical of mass-produced, low-denomination coinage. High-points susceptible to wear include the city gate's turrets and archways, and the lion's crown. Technical strike quality varies; weak strikes, planchet imperfections, and off-center alignments are common. Copper planchets are also prone to environmental damage like corrosion and pitting, which can obscure details and impact preservation.