|
The Silver Ducat has been in the Netherlands Mint Law for 350 years, With the 2020 issue, it takes on an appearance unlike any of its predecessors. Although the requisite standing armored knight is on the obverse, as required by the law, on each of the issues in the series, he will be seen standing in front of one of the nation’s historic castles.
The knight is Field Marshall Godard van Reede (1644-1703), who in the United Kingdom is better known as Godert de Ginkell, 1st Earl of Athlone. He served as Governor of Utrecht. In 1688 he accompanied William, Prince of Orange, on his expedition to England where he claimed the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland as William III. After Reede’s return in 1693 he became commander in chief of the Army of Flanders and in 1702 he became first Field Marshal of the Dutch States Army. He will be seen standing in front of each castle with a different provincial shield at his feet.
The legend reads “MO.NO.ARG.REG.BELGII.LIMB.” can be read. “MO.NO.ARG.REG.BELGII.” is the Latin abbreviation for “Moneta Nova Argenta Regni Belgii”: New Silver coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. “LIMB.” stands for the province of Limburg.
Hoensbroek Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. The castle has over forty authentically decorated rooms: from a beautiful and elegant ballroom to a dark, lurid dungeon. Save for a few periods, Hoensbroek Castle was inhabited for seven centuries. Its history starts in the fourteenth century with knight Herman Hoen, the first lord of the Van Hoensbroeck family. For almost six hundred years the castle was wandered by knights, counts and marquesses. All residents together form a colourful lineage of noble ladies and gentlemen. Famous Dutch writer and poet Bertus Aafjes and his family resided in the castle between 1951 and 1973. The castle has served many purposes, two of the most important being a defensive castle and a residential building. The immense medieval tower is a landmark in the scenery and draws you towards the castle. As soon as you enter, its splendor is stunning. It is as if time stood still.
The reverse common to all coins in the series is the national coat of arms of the Netherlands with the royal crown flanked by the date and the inscription CONCORDIA RES PARVAE CRESCUNT, “Unity Makes Strength,” the caduceus mark of the Royal Dutch Mint and the mintmaster’s privy mark.
The 40 millimeter proof coins are made of the traditional .873 fine silver, weigh 25 grams and is limited to 2,000 pieces of each. |
