Suriname 2 1/2 Cent

The Suriname 2 1/2 cent coin featured Queen Wilhelmina's portrait on its obverse, a direct tie to the Dutch monarchy that must have felt odd in the steamy markets of Paramaribo.

This bronze piece, minted between 1911 and 1945 at the Utrecht facility, circulated widely in the colony to handle small transactions. We know it weighed about 2.5 grams and had a diameter of 18 millimeters, but exact compositions varied slightly over the years. Mintage figures are spotty; records for some dates didn't survive the wars.

Some collectors swear these coins developed a peculiar patina from the tropical humidity, turning them an unexpected green. I won't argue that point, though I've seen stranger things in thirty years of handling dross.

As for the design, the reverse showed a simple wreath and the denomination, nothing flashy. If you're chasing one, check for wear—most saw heavy use.