Netherlands. Latest Gold and Silver Coins Feature Water Management and National Protection

Begun in 2012, the 11th issue features various Dutch UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For 2025, the country’s Dutch Water Defence Lines which underscores the importance of heritage and strategic protection is the focus.

The Netherlands has a unique World Heritage with water as an historic important and strategic ally. As the only large scale system of floodplains, dikes, locks and forts in the world, The Dutch Water Defence Lines perfectly illustrates how the Dutch have handled the forces of water from the North Sea – a practice that dates back to the Middle Ages. First, they achieved this by enabling its people to live and grow food in the marshy land. Later, they also used water to defend cities from enemies not accustomed to water as a defence mechanism. Measuring 200 kilometres long, the line includes 96 forts, 2 historic castles and 6 fortresses along with more than 100 military sluices, dikes and canals.

This plan all started with what was known as the Old Dutch Waterline, established in 1672 and over time, the New Dutch Waterline built on this with construction which began in 1815. Construction of the Defence Line of the city of Amsterdam started in 1880 and in 1996, the latter received UNESCO status. In 2021, both national and Amsterdam’s waterlines came together as the Dutch Water Defence Lines and since then they form one world heritage. With the development of the Dutch Water Defence Lines, water has been regarded as from being an enemy and challenge to an ally. With a series of rivers, sluices, dikes and canals, land could be flooded as a measure of defence and as such, could effectively stop enemy attacks. This interplay of technology, ingenuity and water has formed the defence of the rich and fertile region of the west half of the Netherlands. Today, the Dutch Water Defence Lines World Heritage Site is still very much alive. The forts are not only a prime location for biodiversity, but volunteers are actively involved in promoting this World Heritage site through guided tours, maintenance and more.

Designed by Hans Gremmen, both gold and silver Dutch Water Defence Lines coins immortalise 750 years of Amsterdam in the design. Featured is a sculptured map of the Netherlands, focusing three features such as land, water and military structures. The Dutch landscape is shown in various planes or lands with several planes shaded, referencing the inundation or water areas. The bolder linear shades indicate the location of the Dutch Water Defence Lines and the triangles represent the structures along the lines such as the forts, fortresses and castles. Surrounding the overall design is the broad text HOLLANDSE WATERLINES with lowercase text along the same direction which reads Stelling van Amsterdam + Nieuwe Hollandse Waterline (Defence Line of Amsterdam and the New Dutch Waterline). The year of issue, 2025 and denomination €10 (gold) or €5 (silver) is shown near the upper left rim. The obverse side features a stylised portrait of HM King Willem-Alexander shown depicted using the same elements and structures as the reverse. The element for water is used to create unity, but also to reference the King’s role in water management, a topic he focused on before his investiture in 2013. Similar to the text seen on the reverse, the legend WILLEM – ALEXANDER is shown in the same broad style along with lowercase lettering Koning der Nederlanden. The mintmark of the Royal Dutch Mint and mintmaster’s insignia are placed on either side of the lowercase text. The silver proof versions include the incused edge lettering: * GOD * ZIJ * MET * ONS.

Available from the 3rd October, Both the Uncirculated and Brilliant Uncirculated €5 coin are sealed in a coin-card format. The silver Proof coin is presented in a colourful folder and includes informative text and images.  The €10 gold Proof quality coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom wood-branded Royal Dutch Mint case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Dutch Mint.

Collectors in North America can visit the Coin & Currency Institute partner distributor.