Crude retrograde VOC monogram, date below (retrograde 1771) // Crowned coat of arms with a standing lion. 21.5mm, 2.55 grams. Benjarmasin mint. Moquette, Iets over de munten van Bandjarmasin en Maloeka #71; Millies -; cf. Zeno 269283; Heritage Auctions Europe, Auction 2015, lot 2140 (lot of two, in poorer condition than this coin, realized 150 Euros).

High grade for the type, rare.

These fascinating and poorly known coins were struck in the late 1700's. They imitated the Dutch VOC duits from West Friesland, often very crudely. Imitations of silver dukatons and gold double dukatons are also known.

Sultanate of Banjar or Banjarmasin was an influential Malay sultanate established in the early 16th century on the southern coast of Borneo (Kalimantan) in present-day Indonesia. It grew as a key trading hub, controlling vital trade routes for pepper, gold, and forest products, and maintaining strong ties with other regional powers, including the Sultanate of Demak and later the Dutch East India Company (VOC). Over time, Dutch influence deepened, and the sultanate became a vassal under Dutch control in the 18th century. After a series of conflicts and weakening autonomy, the sultanate was formally dissolved by the Dutch in 1860, marking the end of its independence and its full incorporation into the Dutch East Indies.