1 Cent - Wilhelmina (Holed Coin)

Netherlands East Indies · 1942

A small holed bronze coin featuring the denomination and country name in Dutch on one side, and Javanese/Arabic script designations with traditional floral elements on the reverse.

Country: Netherlands East Indies
Year: 1942
Denomination: 1 Cent
Metal: Bronze (98% Copper, 1% Tin, 1% Zinc)

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 August 27, 2026More netherlands east indies coins →

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Overview

A small holed bronze coin featuring the denomination and country name in Dutch on one side, and Javanese/Arabic script designations with traditional floral elements on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the final year of Dutch colonial rule in the Netherlands East Indies just prior to and during the Japanese occupation in World War II, making it a piece of significant mid-20th-century wartime Asian and European colonial history.

Obverse (front)

Features a central hole surrounded by stylized rice stalks or plant motifs, with the denomination '1 C' at the bottom and the legend 'NEDERLANDSCH INDIE' along with the year '1942' curving around the upper rim.

Reverse (back)

Features a central hole with denomination text in Javanese and Arabic scripts above, flanked by floral/plant ornaments below.

Estimated value

$1 - $5 in circulated condition, up to $15 - $30 in uncirculated grades.

What drives this coin's value

Condition grade, presence of original mint luster, clarity of the mint mark (such as the Philadelphia 'P'), and lack of environmental damage or corrosion.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine with moderate wear on the highest points of the design and some natural toning.

Mintage & rarity

Common, though specific wartime mintages varied and certain combinations are more sought after.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, diameter, and magnetic properties (bronze is non-magnetic). Counterfeits are relatively rare for this denomination due to low base value.

Notable varieties & errors

Varieties related to mint marks designating emergency production at foreign mints (like Philadelphia or San Francisco) during World War II.

Similar coins

Other holed 1 cent or 2 1/2 cent coins from the Netherlands East Indies under Wilhelmina or earlier rulers.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry, inert environment such as a 2x2 coin flip or mylar holder. Do not clean or polish the coin, as this removes original patina and significantly reduces numismatic value.

Other netherlands east indies coins

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Netherlands 1/2 Gulden (WWII Philadelphia Mint)

Netherlands (Kingdom of the Netherlands), minted in the USA · 1943

1/2 Gulden (50 Cents)

VOC Copper Duit

Netherlands (minted for Dutch East Indies) · 1731

1 Duit

Lion Daalder

Dutch Republic (specifically, provinces such as Zeeland - 'ZEL' in the inscription) · Based on the visible inscription 'MO: ARG: ORD: ZEL: TRA: IMP: CIVT: ZEL:', this coin is a Zeeland (ZEL) issue. The exact year is not clearly visible in the image, but Lion Daalders were minted from 1577 until the late 17th century. To determine the precise year, a clearer view of the obverse or reverse would be needed, typically found near the bottom of the lion or on the reverse design. Given the general design, it is likely from the 17th century.

Daalder (or Leeuwendaalder)