An uncommon token from post-medieval times, produced in Dordrecht, Netherlands in the year 1609. Remarkably well-preserved, given its age of over three centuries.

A soldier with their head resting on a drum, encircled by scattered pieces of dismantled armor and a shattered spear. Inscription: .QVIESCO .CIC .IC .CIX .S .C. Mercury positioned to the right of a slumbering man with his head resting on a table. Inscription: .PLVS .VIGILA (stay vigilant).

The 12 Years' Truce, also known as the Twelve Years' Truce or Twaalfjarig Bestand in Dutch, was a significant peace agreement that temporarily halted hostilities during the Eighty Years' War (also called the Dutch War of Independence) between the United Dutch Provinces (the precursor to the modern Netherlands) and the Spanish Empire.

Dimensions

Weight: Approx. 5.5 grams, diameter: 2.9cm (round altough irregular). These are not stock images; they represent the actual antique token you will be receiving.

About 16th - 17th Century Tokens

A counter token in the 16th or 17th century was a small, typically metal, disc or token used as a form of currency or exchange within a specific locality or community. Counter tokens were issued by private individuals, businesses, or local authorities to address the shortage of official coinage or to facilitate trade and commerce in a particular area.

These tokens were often used as a substitute for official coinage, which might have been scarce or in short supply. Counter tokens could have various denominations and were typically accepted by merchants and traders within a specific region where they were recognized. They often featured the issuer's name, location, and sometimes a denomination or design that represented the business or trade.

Counter tokens played a crucial role in local economies and helped keep the flow of goods and services steady. They were a practical solution to the problem of coin shortages and were widely used in England and other parts of Europe during the 17th century.