2018-12-03 Mon

The Royal Dutch Mint issued special coins to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Wageningen University. An abstract image of a sunflower is highlighted on both sides of the coin. The Sunflower is an important aspect of Dutch culture. It also showcases the property of heliotropism as it turns its head with the Sun, representing the Global outlook of the university. Filled circles are featured at the bottom of the flower on the obverse while a portrait of King Willem Alexander is depicted at the centre. The reverse features Sunflower field, an Erlenmeyer flask and a small plant.

The 6.72 grams proof .900 fine gold €10 version has a diameter of 22.5 mm and a mintage limit of 1,000 pieces. It can be ordered for $497.50. The 15.5 grams, .925 fine sterling silver proof version has a diameter of 33 mm and a mintage limit of 4,000 pieces. It can be bought for $67.50. The 10.5 grams uncirculated €5 silver-plated copper coin has a diameter of 29mm and can be bought for $19.75.

Wageningen University is considered to be the best university in the Netherlands and the best one globally for agriculture and forestry. It currently trains almost 12,000 students from more than 100 nations.

The Netherlands Silver Ducat has been issued every year since 1992. It was introduced as a trade coin in 1659. It’s now issued for every province and each one features the respective knight. Groningen’s Silver Ducat features Johan Willem Friso van Nassau-Dietz (1687-1711) in a knight’s armour. He led the Dutch army as a General during the War of Spanish Succession. The 25 grams proof coin has a diameter of 40 millimetres and a mintage limit of 4,000 pieces. It can be purchased for $76.50 along with a box and certificate.

A commemorative coin was issued to celebrate the 190th anniversary of the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten. The 11 grams .925 silver proof 5 Gulden coin has a diameter of 29 mm and a mintage limit of 550 pieces. It can be ordered for $82.75 along with a case and certificate.

A coloured .925 Silver Proof 5 Florin Coin featuring a hermit crab was released for Aruba. The 25 grams coin has a diameter of 38 mm and a mintage limit of 750 pieces. It can be purchased for $87.95 with a case and certificate. The coin will be released by the end of this year.

Image Courtesy: The Royal Dutch Mint