Maastricht Silver Stiver

The Maastricht Silver Stiver was often minted from silver recycled from melted Spanish reales, a practical workaround during the frequent wars of the 17th century.

This made it a resilient piece in the Dutch economy, circulating widely in trade despite the metal's scarcity. The coin, valued at one-twentieth of a guilder, bore the arms of Maastricht on one side and a simple date or denomination on the other. Production spanned from 1633 to 1794, though exact mintages for many years remain unknown, likely destroyed in archival fires.

Variations exist, with some strikes showing wear from heavy use in markets. If you're lucky, you might find one that's survived intact, unlike the myths about their supposed magical properties.

Collectors note the stiver's unassuming size, roughly 20 millimeters across. It's no wonder they turn up in odd places, like old shoeboxes.