1776 Netherland Ducat Holland (KM # 12) NGC AU58. This gold ducat of the Netherland has extremely clean, mark free surfaces. The strike is bold and enables one to apprehend all the details of the design on both sides. The coin is grades AU58 because of a trace of wear on the highest points but is likely in better condition than some that grade uncirculated.

The coin depicts an armored standing knight, facing right holding a bundle of arrows in his left hand and a sword resting on his shoulder in his right. He divides the date on each side of his figure. The inscription is PAR. CRES. HOL. CONCORDIA RES. The reverse shows a tablet within an elaborate border. On the tablet is the inscription MO:ORD. PROVIN, FOEDER, BELGAD, LEG. IMP.

The Republic of the United Provinces, also known as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands, was a republic in Europe from 1581 to 1795. In 1648 it was recognized as a republic in the Peace of Westphalia and lasted until French revolutionary forces invaded in 1795. In the 1700’s the Dutch aided the Americans during the American Revolution. When the British were defeated, the Dutch were drawn into a war with them. In 1795 Holland was occupied by French troops with the support of Dutch revolutionaries to form the Batavian Republic forcing William V to flee to England. The Batavian Republic succeeded the Republic of the United Netherlands. It was proclaimed on January 19, 1795 and ended on June 5, 1806, when Louis Bonaparte became the King of Holland.

The specifications are as follows: 3.4900 grams, 0.9860 Gold, 0.1106 oz AGW. This coin is tied for second finest at NGC. In its population report, as of January 2012, NGC shows 2 1776 Netherlands ducats in AU58 with 1 better.