For the Dutch West India Company

Triton XIX, Lot: 2263. Estimate $15000. Sold for $37500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BRAZIL, Nederlands-Brazilië (Dutch Brazil). Geoctroyeerde Westindische Compagnie (Dutch West India Company). 1630-1654/61. AV 12 Florins Klippe (20x19mm, 6.93 g, 12h). Mauritsstad (Recife) mint. Dated 1645. XII over interlocked GWC / ANNO/ BRAZIL ·/ 1645. KM 7.1; Friedberg 1. Good VF. Extremely rare.

From the collection of Dr. Lawrence A. Adams. Ex Christie’s (8 October 1985), lot 127.

Though the Dutch Republic already had a powerful trading empire in the east with the Dutch East Indies Company, they also coveted the resources originating in the New World, particularly the valuable sugar plantations of Brazil. To this end, the Dutch West Indies Company seized control of the Brazilian province of Pernambuco in 1630, establishing a colony with its capital in modern-day Recife. The conquest obviously did not sit well with the Portuguese, who continually fought to reclaim the territory. The short-lived Dutch colony met its end with the Portuguese capture of Recife in 1654.