1 Duit

Historical Context: The 1 Duit coin from 1690 was issued by the City of Groningen, a prominent member of the Dutch Republic during its economic and cultural Golden Age. In this era, cities held significant autonomy, including the right to mint coinage for local commerce. While William III of Orange was Stadtholder, Groningen's issuance underscored its independent economic administration. These copper coins were the backbone of daily transactions, facilitating trade and reflecting the decentralized yet prosperous nature of the Republic.

Artistry: The engraver for this common utility coin is typically unrecorded. Stylistically, the 1690 Duit aligns with the functional late Renaissance and early Baroque aesthetic prevalent in Dutch provincial coinage. The design commonly features the distinctive double-headed eagle of the City of Groningen on the obverse, a long-standing heraldic symbol. The reverse would display the denomination '1 DUIT' and the date, often within a wreath, reflecting a clear, legible, and practical visual communication.

Technical/Grading: As a mass-produced copper coin for everyday use, the technical strike quality of the 1690 Groningen Duit can vary considerably. High-points susceptible to wear typically include the eagle's heads and wing tips on the obverse, and the raised lettering and date on the reverse. Planchets were often irregularly shaped or struck off-center, and weakness of strike, particularly in peripheral legends, is common. Copper's inherent softness means these coins frequently exhibit circulation wear or minor flan flaws.