VOC monogram, A:O 1744 // Blanks. 15mm, 0.90 grams. Dutch-Indonesian placard-book, 1602-1811, vol. 5, p.111-112 & p.132; Netcher – v.d. Chijs (Batavia, 1863); ZENO 250817._x000D_ Pitje 1744, Batavia; Singh -; Scho.- ; N.-VdCh. - ; Millies -; De Beeldenaar No. 5, sept/oct. 2020 p. 225-228).

These coins were struck in Batavia, made of lead and tin in approximately equal quantity. They were put into circulation on 14 February 1744, to the value of ¼ doit or 1/16 stiver and declared current in Batavia and on Java. Not listed in any of the standard references on the coinage of VOC. Only a few coins were known until recently, though a few more coins are now known. Still, extremely rare and interesting.

A proposal for the introduction of pitjes on Java and Madura was discussed on 3 December 1743 in Batavia. The initial proposal was to strike red-copper pitjes, but from the resolution of High Government of 16 January 1744 we learn, that the pitjes were made of lead and tin, in equal portions, as the production in copper proved to be too expensive and time consuming. By resolution of 16 January 1744 these coins were put into circulation on 14 February 1744 and “Declared current, here in Batavia as well as on Java, of pierced pitjes, made of lead and tin, with on one side the mark of the East India Company and on the other side the date 1744.” The pitjes, with a value of ¼ doit or 1/16 of a stuiver, were made in the trade/craft centre of Batavia. The production was farmed out by auction to the Shahbandars (that is, Batavia's harbourmasters), who struck these coins for the Dutch government. Reference: Dutch-Indonesian placard-book, 1602-1811, vol. 5, p.111-112 & p.132); Netcher v.d. Chijs (Batavia, 1863); ZENO 250817