THE DUTCH SILVER STUIVERS

Obverse: MO.NO.ORD:HOLL.ET.WESTFRI. around crowned arms with lion rampant, date (1724) above, value (6 S) at sides of arms.
Reverse: CONFIDENTES.VIGILATE DEO around sailing ship.

Today, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a country of Western Europe fronts on the North Sea and is bordered by Belgium and Germany.

Originally Spanish colonies, the seven northern provinces of the Low Countries (including Zeeland, West Friesland, Friesland, Gelderland, Holland, Utrecht and Overijssel) achieved their freedom after a long revolt which started in 1579. During the heyday of Napoleon's power, the Netherlands came under his control. However, the House of Orange returned to the throne in 1813 and has reigned ever since.

Netherlands declared their independence from Spanish domination in 1581 and became the republic of the United Netherlands. During the period 1600-1795, coins were struck by the various cities and provinces.

In the following century the "Golden Age" of Dutch history, the Netherlands became a great sea and colonial power for the arts and a refuge for the persecuted.