Netherlands €5 2021. Dutch Sports Hero: World-Famous Judoka Anton Geesink. Silver Proof

Anton Geesink (1934-2010) gained worldwide fame 60 years ago when he became the first non-Japanese to win the World Judo Championship in the heavyweight division. In 1964 he won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. After winning his title, he opened his own gym in Utrecht, where he also taught classes. Now the sports icon is being honored with his own commemorative coin. The Anton Geesink Coin was designed by artist Malin Persson. Judo is inextricably linked to Japan and this was a great source of inspiration for Persson. King Willem-Alexander is seen on the obverse with a beard. His head is encircled by the symbol of the “Kodokan”, the first ever judo school that was founded in Tokyo in 1882. On the reverse Anton Geesink is shown during his victory at the 1964 Olympic Games. In full concentration he holds his opponent down in a headlock. The circles symbolize the twenty seconds in which the headlock must be held to win. Moreover, the circles indicate a rising sun since Japan is also called the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Read more here: https://olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/news/anton-geesink-the-dutch-judo-master-who-reshaped-the-sport Value Metal Weight Diam. Quality Mintage €5 .925 silver 15.5 gm 33 mm Proof 4,600