Netherlands. Gold Ducat Coin Series ‘Dutch Trading History’ Concludes With Salute to Coffee

Mints in the Netherlands have struck Gold Ducats almost continually since their use commencing in the 16th century, contemporary ducats are based on original designs of that time and from the latter part of the 18th century. Today, they are commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of finance and are regarded as a legal form of Dutch currency even after the formal adoption of the Euro currency in 2002.

Launched in 2022, the Dutch Finance Ministry’s series of Dutch gold ducats focused on four of the most important commodities which built up trade from the 16^th to the 18^th centuries. For 2025 – which is the last coin in the series, the commodity of coffee is featured. Popular all over the world, this beloved hot beverage which begins its journey as a humble berry was first noticed in the hills of Ethiopia during the 15^th century. The berries were cultivated and dried into a bean, later roasted to increase their rich dark colour and add another dimension to their taste. The beans made their way across the Gulf of Aden to Yemen where the beans were grinded and brewed into a satisfying hot drink which it was noticed increased energy. The beans and beverage, sometimes referred to as ‘Black gold’ travelled further through many trade routes, eventually making its way to parts of Italy and within a very short time, to all corners of Europe.

In the 17th century it was the Dutch who became the first commercial coffee exporting country due to the cultivation of coffee plantations on the islands of Celebes and Sumatra in what was known as the Dutch East Indies – present-day Indonesia. Traders in the Netherlands were also a major contributor in the trading of coffee in Europe. Ultimately, the actual coffee plants were also brought to the New World and today, coffee beans are one of the world’s most valuable and popular cultivated crops in South America, Asia and of course Africa. The worldwide trade in coffee from growing the beans to the finished product is valued at more than $223.7 billion dollars and continues to grow as more markets are developed all over the world. Globally, an estimated 2.25 billion cups of coffee are consumed every day, making coffee the most popular drink worldwide, second only to water. The Netherlands plays their part in this daily consumption where 2.4 cups of coffee per day is consumed in this country of 17.7 million people.

The obverse design of the Golden Ducats for 2025 features a standing knight in armour holding a sword in his right hand, resting on his right shoulder and seven arrows in his left hand. The motif was designed by engraver Johan Willem Marmé, the engraver of the provincial Mint of Utrecht from 1763 until 1795. The Knight is encircled by the legend in Latin CONCORDIA RES PARVAE CRESCUNT which translates as Small things flourish in harmony. Shown as two separate digits is the year of issue 20 and 25 which is placed on each side of the standing Knight. The reverse side features the ornately framed Latin inscription MO. AUR. REG. BELGII AD LEGEM IMPERII which is translated as Gold coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by law of the Empire. To the right side of the inscription is the privy mark or symbol of a collection of coffee beans denoting the lucrative trade in coffee for more than five centuries.

Available from the 1st May, the ducat and double ducat proof coins are each encapsulated and presented in custom crafted polished hardwood cases, accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the online webshop of the Royal Dutch Mint.