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 We are pleased to offer you the latest information on the newest issue of the Royal Dutch Mint: the Gold Ducats for 2023. The Royal Dutch Mint annually strikes these legal coins, based on the originals from the 16th and 18th century. All Dutch Gold Ducats, no matter which mint they came from, had a weight of about 3.5 grams and a purity of 983/1000 fine. This led to their worldwide acceptance, and placed them among the most important trade coins in world history.
These new Gold Ducats continue to explore Dutch trade history. Until 2025, a different commodity that had an important role in Dutch trade history during the Gold Ducat era is being highlighted each year. The series started in 2022 with the wine trade with the Baltic Sea area. This year, the focus is on cinnamon, represented by the cinnamon stick on the right side of the reverse (red arrow).
As always, the obverse has the historic knight in armor with arrows, designed by Utrecht Mint engraver Johan Willem Marmé from 1763 until 1795. The Latin phrase Concordia Res Parvae Crescunt means “Unity makes Strength”. On the reverse, Mo. Aur. Reg. Belgii Ad Legem Imperii means“Gold coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by law of the Empire”.
Travel along with the Dutch East India Company (VOC): Control of the cinnamon trade
Today, it’s easy to buy a jar of cinnamon in the super market, without even thinking about it. But around the year 1600, there was only one production area and many enthusiasts around the world, that meant heavy competition within the overseas trade. Cinnamon thus became one of the spices the VOC was most eager to trade in. With the help of the natives, the Portuguese were driven out of Ceylon in the mid-17th century, and the VOC controlled the entire cinnamon trade for many years.
Cinnamon became a beloved spice. It is not only used for baking, but also for cooking and making drinks. Traditionally, it was also used as a remedy for colds, problems with digestion and even bad breath. Logically, the VOC did everything in its power to gain the monopoly on the trade.
Sales start on May 1, 2023. You can place your order up to May 25, 2023, when the mintage will be determined based on the number of orders received.
Please order by May 25, 2023. Delivery scheduled for October. You will not be charged until coins are shipped.
Double Gold Ducat 2023
First struck in 1612.
Wood case with a numbered certificate
2022 Final Mintage: 680
Metal: Gold 983/1000 fine
Diameter: 26 mm
Weight: 6.988 grams |
