2016-05-23 Mon

On May 17th, the Royal Dutch Mint issued gold and silver coins belonging to the Dutch UNESCO series. The series celebrates the various UNESCO heritage sites in the Netherlands. The Wadden Sea is featured on the latest coin release which is the fifth in a ten-part series. The sea is adjacent to the borders of 3 countries, the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany.

The water body is known for its unique inter-tidal sand and mud flats. It is a part of the Dutch Wadden Sea Conservation Area; the German Wadden Sea National Parks and the Danish Wadden Sea maritime conservation area.

The sea consists of transitional zones between land, sea, and freshwater environments. The diverse flora and fauna found in these sand and mud plains like the harbor seal, grey seal, and the harbor porpoise and 10- to 12-million birds have specially adapted to these demanding environmental conditions.

The reverse depicts the Frisian Islands, a bird in flight and a starfish – some of the few vibrant species which exist in this pure eco-zone.

The obverse features a portrait of King Willem-Alexander and a miniature silhouette profile. A legend, a medal and crown with the motto of the Royal House, JE MAINTRENDAI are also inscribed.