1/4 Gulden (Quarter Gulden)

Netherlands East Indies · 1942

A silver quarter gulden coin featuring the crowned arms of the Netherlands on one side with the denomination '1/4 G' and 'NEDERL. INDIE', and Arabic/Javanese inscriptions on the other side.

Country: Netherlands East Indies
Year: 1942
Denomination: 1/4 Gulden
Metal: 0.720 Silver, 0.280 Copper
Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) with some light tone and minor surface wear.

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 14, 2026More netherlands east indies coins →

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Overview

A silver quarter gulden coin featuring the crowned arms of the Netherlands on one side with the denomination '1/4 G' and 'NEDERL. INDIE', and Arabic/Javanese inscriptions on the other side.

Historical significance

Issued during World War II just before the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies, these coins circulated extensively in Southeast Asia during a period of extreme geopolitical upheaval.

Obverse (front)

Features a crowned coat of arms of the Netherlands (shield with rampant lion holding sword and arrows), flanked by '1/4' on the left and 'G' on the right, with the legend 'NEDERL. INDIE' and the date '1942' below.

Reverse (back)

Features Arabic and Javanese scripts inside a beaded or radiated inner circle with lettering around the rim.

Estimated value

$3-$15 depending on condition (circulated to uncirculated)

What drives this coin's value

Condition, presence of mint luster, original toning, and lack of cleaning or damage.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) with some light tone and minor surface wear.

Mintage & rarity

Common for 1942-S, with tens of millions minted to supply wartime currency needs.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, diameter, and silver content. Counterfeits from this era are relatively rare due to the high mintage, but cast fakes can sometimes be found.

Notable varieties & errors

Varieties include mint mark placement variations and minor die cracks, though major errors are scarce.

Similar coins

Dutch domestic 1/4 guilder coins of the same era, which feature similar heraldic designs but lack the 'Nederl. Indie' inscription.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment in a non-PVC coin flip or holder. Never clean, polish, or wipe the coin to preserve its original surface and numismatic value.