When I was about 2 or 3 my grandfather gave me a small leather purse, measuring about 1.5″ x 1″. Inside was a small coin, which is square. Its a little tarnished, but from research I did about 15 years ago, It was given to soldiers in Holland during WWII.

Anyway, thanks for this thread on the mailing list and for reminding me of such a happy event, my grandfather died in 1974 and I have treasured this little purse and unusual coin ever since. I might see if I can find more details online about it.

I had a closer look today, and for the first time noticed that on the back is some writing. At the top left it says Watchmaker. Scrolled across the middle it reads H Venables and at the bottom right it gives the address of Market Street Guildford.

According to the Kelly’s Directory of 1963, H Venables was a jewellers whose premises was at 22, Market Street.

The coin has been difficult to photograph, even with a good camera, it has not been easy to get a close up of it. On one side is 5c with the date of 1939 and on the reverse KONINGRIJK.DER.NEDERLANDEN.

The great individuals on the BookCrossing UK Yahoo list have told me that that translates to Kingdom of the Nederlands.