Lot 983

½ Scheepjesgulden 1802 OFF-METAL STRIKE IN GOLD (Scho. 491 / Passon 21.2/ RRRR) – Obv. three-masted vessel sailing right / Rev. Crowned coat of arms flanked by denomination ½ - G. – Gold 6.28 grams – FDC, devoid of any wear and full original luster - Of the highest rarity and of immaculate conservation. Ex. Collection Coenen The Scheepjesguldens and its minors, struck in the mint of Enkhuizen were, initially produced for circulation in the cape colony. British occupation saw them rerouted to the Indies however and they were introduced in Batavia in 1803, at a slightly readjusted course. In Enkhuizen, an extremely limited amount of trial pieces in gold were struck, only of the highest three denominations (¼, ½ and Gulden). The Gulden, an extreme rarity in its own right, was last sold by us in 2023. Appearances of the ½ gulden in gold however are far more rare; neither Berkman, Stephanik, Moquette, Ferrari nor King Farouk managed to acquire an example. It is even absent in the National Numismatic Collection itself! An exceptional prooflike appearance, emphasized by the near perfect state of preservation, highlight not merely the absolute numismatic rarity, but also the conditional rarity of this piece.