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The Double Gold Ducat is appearing in another variation of its traditional, classic design for the 2024 issue.
The first Double Ducat came from the province of Friesland in 1612. The Dutch Kingdom continued the practice. The coin has always had the same basic obverse of a standing knight accompanied by an ornate inscribed tablet on the reverse. The only variations reflect artistic liberties taken by mint engravers. The coins are based on the design of the engraver Johan Willem Marmé, the die cutter at the Utrecht Mint from 1763 to 1795. Marmé's present-day successors in Utrecht have taken his original design, characterized by a distinct helmet and accurate, detailed buttons on the knight's outfit, and adapted it to the requirements of 21st century minting.
The 2024 issues are part of the series begun in 2022 highlighting the commodities that played a key role in Dutch trade history during Ducat era. This year it is the silk trade with the far east. It is depicted by a roll of silk at the bottom of the reverse.  One of the Dutch trade routes led to Java, Indonesia, via the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, and India. On these routes, several trading posts were settled, which eventually created an extensive network. Silk was an especially important textile that was mostly shipped from India to the Dutch Republic. This precious product was then resold in Europe, but was also frequently purchased by the Dutch elite, who had luxury clothing made from it. In the beginning of the 17th century, silk was a very high-in-demand product that also proved to be quite lucrative.
The obverse shows the traditional knight in armor with arrows. The Latin phrase Concordia Res Parvae Crescunt is engraved: “Small things flourish by concord” or better known as “Unity makes Strength.” On the reverse the Latin Mo. Aur. Reg. Belgii Ad Legem Imperii is found: “Gold coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by law of the Empire.”
The coin is made of the long-time Dutch ducat standard of .983 fine gold. The 26 mm Double Gold Ducat weighs 6.988 grams and comes in a wood case with numbered certificate.
It is minted only in proof quality and is available now. |
