Lion Daalder

Country of Origin: Dutch Republic (specifically, provinces such as Zeeland - 'ZEL' in the inscription)

Year of Issue: 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.

Denomination: Daalder (or Leeuwendaalder)

Composition: Silver (.885 fine, typically)

Lion Daalder

Brief Description

The coin features a crowned lion rampant, holding a sword and seven arrows, representing the United Provinces of the Netherlands. The lion is encircled by a beaded inner border and surrounded by the inscription 'MO: ARG: ORD: ZEL: TRA: IMP: CIVT: ZEL:'. The reverse side, if visible, would likely show the provincial shield or another heraldic symbol.

Historical Significance

The Lion Daalder (Leeuwendaalder) was a silver coin first issued by the Dutch Republic in 1577. It was widely used in international trade, particularly in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, becoming a popular currency throughout the late 16th and 17th centuries. Its design, featuring the Dutch Lion, gave it its distinctive name. It predates and was eventually replaced by the Dutch Gulden. It played a significant role in global commerce during the Dutch Golden Age.

Estimated Value

The value of a Lion Daalder can vary significantly based on its condition, specific provincial mint, and date. For a coin in this condition (appearing circulated), values could range from $100 to several hundreds of dollars. For high-grade examples or rare dates, values can easily exceed $1,000. Professional appraisal is recommended for an accurate valuation.

Care Instructions

Handle the coin by its edges to avoid transferring oils from your skin. Store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in a non-PVC coin holder or archival-safe slab. Avoid cleaning as this can damage the coin's surface and significantly reduce its numismatic value. For long-term preservation, consider professional encapsulation.

Created At: 2025-08-04T04:24:36.324791