Classic Dutch ducat design updated
Obverses of the 2017 and 2018 ducats compared. From top: 2017 bicentennial ducat showing the original 1817 design; 2017 bicentennial double ducat showing modern design used from 1986-2017; 2018 ducat. Note the change in the mintmaster marks. (Images courtesy Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt)
Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt [Royal Dutch Mint] has announced that, after 32 years, the obverse of both the single and double gold ducats has been given a makeover.
The mint’s designer has recreated the historic knight of Johan Willem Marmé, die cutter for the provincial and municipal Mint of Utrecht from 1763 to 1795.
Among other matters, Marmé’s knight is characterized by accurately positioned, detailed buttons. This was an 18th century security measure used to establish the authenticity of ducats.
The new .983 fine gold proof coins, the first in a four-year series, consisted of a single ducat (21 mm, 3.494 g) and a double ducat (26 mm, 6.988 g). These could be ordered from the Dutch Mint up to and including June 30.
The orders received determined the mintage, with no further coins available. Afterwards, the secondary market took over.
This article was originally printed in World Coin News. >> Subscribe today.
More Collecting Resources
• The Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700 is your guide to images, prices and information on coins from so long ago.
• More than 600 issuing locations are represented in the Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800 .
