A fascinating piece connecting Dutch global commerce with early American monetary history, this 1746 copper duit was issued for the Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC) — the legendary Dutch East India Company.

The obverse features the unmistakable intertwined VOC monogram with the date 1746, while the reverse displays a provincial coat of arms — two rampant lions flanking a harp-bearing shield.

Although originally Dutch colonial coinage rather than an official American cent, VOC duits became associated with the assortment of foreign copper coinage used as small change in early New York. NGC recognizes this collecting connection on its specialty Old New York holder, labeling this coin:

"VOC N.E. INDIES DUIT / NEW YORK PENNY / GENUINE"

This example exhibits substantial circulation and an attractive dark brown, aged copper patina consistent with an 18th-century piece. Importantly, its authenticity has already been confirmed by NGC — one less concern for the collector.

• Year: 1746
• Issuer: Dutch East India Company (VOC)
• Denomination: Duit
• Composition: Copper
• Era: 18th century
• Certification: NGC Genuine
• NGC Certification #: 8356103-349
• Specialty label: Old New York / New York Penny
• Condition: Genuine, circulated; no numerical grade assigned

Collector's note: "New York Penny" is a historical and numismatic collecting designation on the NGC holder — this coin is fundamentally a Dutch VOC copper duit. It was not minted in New York, nor is it an official American penny. That distinction makes the story more interesting, not less.