1 Duit

Historical Context: The 1690 1 Duit coin from the City of Groningen was issued during the zenith of the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by the Dutch Republic's significant economic power and cultural flourishing. While William III, Prince of Orange, had recently ascended to the English throne, Groningen, as one of the independent cities within the Republic, retained its sovereign right to mint coinage for local commerce. This copper denomination served as essential small change, reflecting the city's ongoing autonomy and vibrant trade network amidst the broader European political landscape, including the ongoing Nine Years' War.

Artistry: The specific engraver responsible for this utilitarian Duit is typically unrecorded, a common occurrence for mass-produced small denominations of the era. Stylistically, the coin aligns with the practical Dutch Baroque tradition, prioritizing clear, legible design over intricate ornamentation. The obverse characteristically features the distinctive Groningen city arms—a crowned eagle—while the reverse would typically display the denomination, date, or a provincial symbol. The overall design is robust and functional, reflecting its purpose as a workhorse coin for daily transactions.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a copper planchet with a weight of 2.05 grams and a diameter of 20.05 millimeters, this coin often exhibits considerable variability in strike quality. Key high-points prone to wear include the crown surmounting the eagle on the obverse and the finer elements of the legend or numerals on the reverse. Planchets were frequently prepared with less precision than those for larger denominations, leading to common characteristics such as minor planchet flaws, slight off-centering, or areas of weak strike, all typical for copper duit coinage of the late 17th century.