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| This piece is a commemorative medal produced to celebrate
the 25th year of its existence. Here's a bit of information on the Society
itself provided by the dealer from sources they had at hand: |
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| First of all the translation "society of general use" is
perhaps not correct. 'Public aid' sounds better. |
| Early 19th century the Netherlands harboured many of these
kind of societies, with a goal of helping the poor, the unhappy etc. In
short, societies showing a human face. |
De "Maatschappij Tot Nut van't Algemeen" started
with this 'prime directive':
To encourage and protect everyone who will contribute to public improvement and
education. Founded in Edam, 16th November 1784 by religious anabaptiste Jan Nieuwenhuijzen,
assisted by his son Martinus Nieuwenhuijzen and J.A.Hoekstra,
J.Roos and H.Bakker. |
| Initially the society was called: "Edamsch
Genootschap".
After the move of the board to Amsterdam the name was changed on 12th August
1788 into "Nederlandsche Maatschappij Tot Nut van 't Algemeen".
On August 15, 1798 the word "Nederlandsche" was replaced by "Bataafsche".
(French occupation). Finally on August 13, 1806 they dropped both terms "Nederlandsche" and "Bataafsche" and
ended up with a new name: "Maatschappij Tot Nut van't Algemeen". |
| November 16, 1809 the society celebrated its 25th anniversary
which explains the 11/16 on the reverse. At that time the society counted
96 departments throughout the country and had 7,384 members. |
| Source: Maurin-Thédore-Corneille-Florent-Napoléon
comte Nahuys - Histoire Numismatique du Royaume de Hollande sous le
règne de Sa Majesté Louis
Napoléon. pp. 171-172 |
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