Silver medal to commemorate the centenary of the VOC

The VOC (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie) was established in 1602, when the States-General of the Netherlands granted it a 21-year monopoly to carry out colonial activities in Asia. Perhaps the world’s first multinational company, the VOC held quasi-governmental powers, including the ability to wage war, imprison and execute convicts, negotiate treaties, coin money, and establish colonies.

Under a rigidly enforced monopoly, between 1602 and 1796 the VOC dominated European trade with Asia and enjoyed huge profits from its spice monopoly. In 1619 the VOC established a capital in the port city of Batavia (Jakarta) and in 1606 despatched the first Europeans to visit Australia when the Duyfken, captained by Willem Janszoon, landed on the Australian mainland near present day Weipa.

Crowned female figure in classical attire, representing the Company, sits on a throne inscribed with a C, holding a sword with a laurel wreath in her right hand. The Company Charter on the left, her right foot resting on a tortoise with a cornucopia and a view of the sea behind, to the right another cornucopia and a parrot, above the arms of the United Netherlands; Rev; a Greek galleon passes the Pillars of Hercules, making for the East, represented by a rising sun. Six soldiers hold the coats of arms of the six Chambers of the VOC, the pennon bearing the monogram V.O.C., a shield with clasped hands symbolises the collaboration of the Chambers.