The Dutch empire cycle (1550–1850) is the first documented modern case of reserve currency decline. Key sequence: military and trade dominance → financial center establishment (Bank of Amsterdam, ~1609) → reserve currency status for Dutch guilder → overextension and debt → run on Bank of Amsterdam (~1780s, as it made undisclosed loans) → guilder collapse → loss of empire to Britain. The Bank of Amsterdam’s secret lending (violating its gold backing) is the archetype for how central bank credibility collapses.