Gelderland Ducatoon

The Gelderland Ducatoon was typically struck from silver sourced from melted-down foreign coins, a practical reuse that reflected the province's thrifty approach during the 17th century.

Weighing around 32 grams and measuring about 40 millimeters across, this silver piece bore the rampant lion of Gelderland on one side, a heraldic nod to the province's independence. The reverse often featured the Dutch arms or a simple inscription, keeping designs straightforward amid the era's political turmoil. Mintage varied by year, but exact figures are murky; records from that period were spotty at best.

These coins circulated widely in trade, from Amsterdam's markets to distant colonies. They weren't flashy, just reliable currency in a world of economic flux. If you handle one today, notice the wear on the edges—evidence of heavy use, not some romantic tale.

One oddity: the ducatoon's size made it a favorite for testing with a bite, though that rarely improved the flavor.