1782 Silver Medal Johan Derk

Coin Details

Description

This 1782 silver medal honors Johan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, a Dutch nobleman who was among the first European statesmen to openly support American independence. Van der Capellen championed the American cause in the States-General of the Netherlands, secretly helped arrange Dutch loans crucial to financing the war effort, and published pamphlets calling for democratic reform. The 1782 date corresponds to Dutch formal recognition of American independence and the conclusion of a treaty of amity and commerce. American commemorative medals document the nation's history through miniature sculptural art, preserving events, achievements, and personalities in a durable metallic format that has served collectors and historians for centuries. This silver medal celebrates a key foreign supporter whose contributions to the Revolution, while less well known than Lafayette's, were nonetheless vital to American success.

Rarity Notes

Rare. 1782 silver medal. Johan Derk medals are scarce, particularly in American collections.

Cross References

PCGS #925612; Johan Derk van der Capellen; Dutch Patriot; American Revolution; Silver; 1782