$6,756.00 USD
– SOLDThe 1655 Netherlands-Utrecht Gold 2 Ducat, graded PCGS MS61, was minted in the Dutch Republic during its Golden Age, a period of immense economic, military, and cultural dominance. Utrecht, one of the key provinces of the Seven United Provinces, played a central role in the Republic’s financial and military affairs. By 1655, the Dutch Republic had firmly established itself as a leading maritime power, controlling vast trade networks across the East Indies, the Americas, and Africa through the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the Dutch West India Company (WIC).
Gold ducats, particularly double ducats (2 ducats), were used primarily for international trade, as they were widely recognized and trusted for their high gold purity and consistent weight. These coins circulated across Europe, the Ottoman Empire, and Dutch colonial territories, reinforcing the Republic’s economic influence. The 2-ducat denomination had greater value than the standard ducat, making it more suitable for large transactions and diplomatic gifts.
The obverse of this coin features the classic standing knight design, a long-standing symbol of Dutch strength and unity. The knight is clad in full armor, holding a bundle of arrows in one hand and a sword in the other. The arrows represent the seven provinces of the Dutch Republic, signifying their unity against foreign powers. The Latin inscription surrounding the knight typically reads "CONCORDIA RES PARVAE CRESCUNT," meaning "Through unity, small things grow." This motto was central to the Republic’s identity, emphasizing the strength of the provinces working together.
The reverse displays a square tablet with an inscription, framed by decorative elements. The inscription usually includes the date of minting (1655) and a religious or sovereign declaration, reaffirming the coin’s legitimacy. This design was a standard feature of Dutch gold ducats, ensuring their recognizability and trustworthiness in international trade.
