Back

Netherlands - 1809

Société d'utilité publique.

Obverse:

VOOR ALLEN La Lumière ass. à g.

Size:

35 mm.

Reverse:

Entre palme et branche d'olivier : 25 JAREN BESTAAN 18-09

Vern's Comments:

This piece is a commemorative medal produced to celebrate the 25th year of its existence. Here's a bit of information on the Society itself provided by the dealer from sources they had at hand:

First of all the translation "society of general use" is perhaps not correct. 'Public aid' sounds better.

Early 19th century the Netherlands harboured many of these kind of societies, with a goal of helping the poor, the unhappy etc. In short, societies showing a human face.

De "Maatschappij Tot Nut van't Algemeen" started with this 'prime directive':
To encourage and protect everyone who will contribute to public improvement and education. Founded in Edam, 16th November 1784 by religious anabaptiste Jan Nieuwenhuijzen, assisted by his son Martinus Nieuwenhuijzen and J.A.Hoekstra, J.Roos and H.Bakker.

Initially the society was called: "Edamsch Genootschap". After the move of the board to Amsterdam the name was changed on 12th August 1788 into "Nederlandsche Maatschappij Tot Nut van 't Algemeen". On August 15, 1798 the word "Nederlandsche" was replaced by "Bataafsche". (French occupation). Finally on August 13, 1806 they dropped both terms "Nederlandsche" and "Bataafsche" and ended up with a new name: "Maatschappij Tot Nut van't Algemeen".

November 16, 1809 the society celebrated its 25th anniversary which explains the 11/16 on the reverse. At that time the society counted 96 departments throughout the country and had 7,384 members.

Source: Maurin-Thédore-Corneille-Florent-Napoléon comte Nahuys - Histoire Numismatique du Royaume de Hollande sous le règne de Sa Majesté Louis Napoléon. pp. 171-172

Bramsen:

Bramsen - 928
L'association „Tot nut van't algemeen“. (H. Lageman.)

VOOR ALLEN. Une femme assise à gauche, tenant un torchon et divergeant des rayons. Exergue: TOT NUT VAN T'ALGEMEEN.

Rev: Dans une couronne de palmier et d'olivier: 25 JAREN BESTAAN 18 ¹¹/₁₆ 09.

Médaille, 34 mm. - Nah. 11, 78.

d'Essling:

(Nah. 78 — B. 928) Arg. 35 mm.

Société d'utilité publique.