Ducaton of the United Provinces of the Netherlands, excavated from the wreck site of the ZUYTDORP
Date1660-1699
Object number00048975
NameCoin
MediumSilver, 93%
DimensionsOverall: 43 mm, 25.48 g
ClassificationsCoins and medals
Credit LineANMM Collection Transferred from Australian Netherlands Committee on Old Dutch Shipwrecks
DescriptionThis silver coin is one of several hundred objects recovered from the wreck of the ZUYTDORP, a Dutch East India Company vessel wrecked off the West Australian coast in 1712.
HistoryThe ducaton coin originated in sixteenth century Italy and was used between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries as a trade coin to rival the Spanish silver dollar. Its use spread throughout the Spanish Empire, including areas in Burgundy and the Spainish Netherlands. In 1659 the United Provinces of the Netherlands started issuing ducaton coins with a knight on horseback, known as a silver rider, on one side and the coat of arms fo the Dutch Republic on the other.SignificanceAssociated with the oldest Dutch shipwreck discovered on the Australian coast this silver coin is representative of European presence near the Australian continent in the 17th century.
