2016-09-20 Tue

The latest silver Proof ducat issued by Netherlands celebrates the Dutch province of Gelderland. Ducats is a denomination which has a history of 350 years and was the most trusted one during times of early European and world trade in several regions, including the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Gelderland, established in 1089, is the largest of the twelve administrative provinces in the current Dutch kingdom and a part of the Lowlands historically during the early development of the Holy Roman Empire.

The name of the city comes from the adjacent city of Geldern which is located in the present-day Germany. The province joined the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1815. This cultural capital is known for commerce and industry and generates a good amount of national revenue.

The obverse features Charles II, Duke of Guelders (1467 – 1538), in the uniform of the Anonymous Knight. The design also features the shield of the province and the crowned crest of two Lions Rampant facing each other.

The reverse features the current Dutch crest, the year of issue, and the Latin text ‘CONDORDIA RES PARAVE CRESCUNT’ which translates to “in harmony small things grow.” The mintage limit of this .873 Silver 28.2 Grams Proof Ducat is 4000 pieces.