stuivers

A stuiver is a historical Dutch coin that represented one twentieth of a gulden (guider). The term referred to the small unit of value used in the Dutch guilder system, with twenty stuivers equaling one gulden. In everyday speech and accounting, prices and wages were often expressed in both guilders and stuivers.

Origin and characteristics: The stuiver circulated from at least the 16th century and was minted in various metals over time, commonly copper or bronze in earlier periods and later nickel-brass or related alloys as minting technology evolved. It served as the standard low-value coin in the Netherlands and adjacent Dutch-influenced regions for many centuries, with numerous designs issued under different rulers and governments.

Provenance and use: As a practical part of daily commerce, the stuiver accompanied larger denominations and functioned as the everyday small change alongside higher-value coins. Its exact weight, size, and material varied through the centuries, reflecting shifting minting standards and political authority.

End of usage and legacy: Following decimalization and the introduction of the euro, the stuiver ceased to be legal tender in the Netherlands in 2002. Today, it survives mainly as a historical artifact in museum collections and among coin collectors. The term also persists in the Dutch language as a reference to a small amount of money, sometimes appearing in phrases that echo traditional price and wage calculations.