Groningen Double Stuiver

In 1625, the Groningen Double Stuiver was struck using silver from local mines, a rarity for a province more accustomed to importing bullion during the Dutch Revolt.

This coin, valued at two stuivers, featured a lion rampant on one side and the provincial arms on the other, symbols that doubled as propaganda for independence. Mintage varied by year, but exact figures are lost; archives burned in the 19th century. Planchets were often hand-cut, leading to irregular edges that frustrated modern collectors.

We know little about the designers, though the mint operated under strict provincial oversight. If you're handling one, check for wear—most saw heavy use in markets from Amsterdam to Bremen. Pity the forgers; they rarely got the lion's tail quite right.