VOC Geocoin

Vereenigde Oostindische Compagny

This geocoin is made in the remembrance of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagny (Dutch East India Company). The VOC was a chartered company established in 1602, when the States-General of the Netherlands granted it a 21-year monopoly to carry out colonial activities in Asia. It was the first multinational corporation in the world and the first company to issue stock. It was also arguably the world's first megacorporation, possessing quasi-governmental powers, including the ability to wage war, negotiate treaties, coin money, and establish colonies.

The Dutch East India Company remained an important trading concern for almost two centuries, paying an 18% annual dividend for almost 200 years. In its declining years in the late 18th century it was referred to as Vergaan Onder Corruptie (referring to the acronym VOC) which translates as 'Perished By Corruption'. The VOC became bankrupt and was formally dissolved in 1800, its possessions and the debt being taken over by the government of the Dutch Batavian Republic. The VOC's territories became the Dutch East Indies and were expanded over the course of the 19th century to include the whole of the Indonesian archipelago, and in the 20th century would form Indonesia.

Design

The front of the coin is an exact copy of a medaillion that was given to Adriaan Bergsma in 1740 as commander of the returning fleet of the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie. The medaillion shows a VOC-ship with the text 'Societas Indiae Foederat Provinciarum' which means: East India Company of the United Provinces.
At the back of the coins the VOC logo can be found.

Click here to take a look at the final version of the pre-production artwork.

Details
Dimensions	1.75" (42 mm); round
Trackable	Yes
Icon
Editions		Issue date	Issued by
Antique Silver & Orange/White/Blue		September 2010	geocoinshop.de
Antique Gold & Orange/White/Blue		September 2010	geocoinshop.de
Black Nickel & Orange/White/Blue		September 2010	geocoinshop.de
Silver & Orange/White/Blue		September 2010	geocoinshop.de
Antique Nickel & Red/White/Blue	XLE, only 15 made	August 2010	Van Stoffelen
Antique Bronze & Red/White/Blue	XLE, only 15 made	August 2010	Van Stoffelen
Antique Copper & Red/White/Blue	XLE, only 15 made	August 2010	Van Stoffelen
Sandblash Silver & Orange Glitter	XLE, only 1 made *	August 2010	Van Stoffelen
Foggy Gold & Dark Blue Glitter	XLE, only 10 made	August 2010	Saffier
Gold & Oranje Glitter	XLE, only 15 made	May 2011	GaryM53
Silver & Blue Glitter	XLE, only 15 made	May 2011	Van Stoffelen
Antique Gold & Green Glitter	XLE, only 15 made	May 2011	Van Stoffelen
Antique Silver & Red Glitter	XLE, only 15 made	May 2011	van Stoffelen

The regular editions are sold by geocoinshop.de. You can subscribe to their newsletter to be kept informed about their new geocoin releases. The XLE editions are not available through geocoinshop.de, but are distributed by me. It is no longer possible to make a reservation for an xle version of this geocoin.

* The Sandblash Silver/Orange Glitter version had a major quality problem at delivery. There was a re-made, but the second delivery also had major quality issues. I have decided not to try again.