Dutch East Indies – Java
Copper Bonk – ½ Stuiver
KM-180 Type – c. Late 18th/Early 19th Century
A distinctive copper Bonk coin from the Dutch East Indies (Java), representing one of the most unusual emergency coinages produced during the colonial period. These rectangular "bar coins" were created by cutting pieces from copper bars and striking them with the denomination and date, resulting in their characteristic crude and irregular appearance.
This issue was produced for circulation on Java during a period of copper shortages when locally made bar coinage provided a practical solution for everyday commerce. The Bonk series is particularly appealing to collectors because each example often shows unique characteristics from the cutting, preparation, and striking process.
The design typically features the denomination within a rectangular border on one side and the date within a similar border on the other. The small ½ Stuiver denomination reflects the practical need for low-value circulating currency in the Dutch colonial economy of Southeast Asia.
Issuer: Dutch East Indies
Region: Java
Period: Late 18th–early 19th century
Denomination: ½ Stuiver
Type: Copper Bonk (bar coin)
Metal: Copper
Weight: 7.0 grams
Reference: KM-180 type
A fascinating colonial-era coin with a distinctive handcrafted appearance, offering collectors an unusual example of emergency money from Java under Dutch rule.
