Netherlands, Holland: 1671-1767
Silver Scheepjes-Schelling

SPECIFICATIONS Denomination 6 Stuivers Alloy Silver.583 Type Struck Diameter 26.7 mm Thickness 1.1 mm Weight Legal 4.95 gms Weight 4.58 gms Shape Round Edge Plain Die-Axis 0° Mint Holland
	NL-Holland KM#90

Obverse : Crowned Arms of Holland: Rampant lion walking left divides value 6 S (6 Stuivers), Legend MO:NO.ORD:HOLL.ET .WES FRI, along the periphery within dash circle. The abbreviated Latin expands to Moneta Nova Ordinum Hollandia et West Frieslandiae and translates as: "New Money of Province of Holland and West Friesland". Digits of Year of issue 1 7 2 4 divided by top of crown.
Reverse : Ship on waves sailing right with 3 fully rigged masts with square sails. Latin Legend VIGILATE DEO CONFIDENTES.. Legend translates as: "Watch, trusting in God"

Codrington X§26 Schellings (iii) Scheepjes-Schellings; lists coins from provinces of Gelderland from 1706, Holland and West Friesland from 1673, Utrecht from 1753 and Zeeland from 1750 are found in Lanka.

This Scheepjes-Schellings is holed which is typical for many of them. They were worn on a chain round the neck by many Sailors. According to Fred Medis, a Schelling or 6 Stuivers was the cost of Christian Burial in the 17-18th century. If the Sailor was lost at sea and the body washed ashore the finder was expected to give a proper Burial and keep the Schelling as payment.

This Scheepjes-Schelling is about 8% under-weight which is accounted for by the hole and ware during circulation.

The Fine condition coin was scanned at 600 dpi and displayed at 250 dpi.
The coin is from part of Lalith Raddella's collection I purchased in 2016 December.

I thank Maria an Ancient Language online expert for properly translating the Latin legends on reverse of coin.

Text edited from
* Ceylon Coins and Currency By H. W. Codrington. Colombo 1924
  Page 130 Chapter IX-X Dutch