Netherlands. Latest Gold and Silver Proof Coins Mark 25 years of the Marriage Equality Act.

This year marks twenty five years when a new law governing marriage in the Netherlands was made official. What started as a civil debate for equal rights, turned out to be a world first. On the 1st April 2001, the Netherlands made history when they became the first country in the world to legalise and recognise marriage between same-sex couples.

The opening of marriage for all citizens regardless of gender was the result of a years-long fight for equal rights. As early as the 1980’s, calls for equal marriage emerged, with more and more organisations and activists taking action and showing their support. In 1994, democrat-party leader Boris Dittrich was the first to propose equal marriage in parliament, though it was rejected. However, the tone was set in popular politics and in terms of debate so, four years later an important step was taken with the introduction of registered partnerships. Though it was a closer step to eventual marriage, it still fell short of couples not able to use each other's surname and were not yet regarded as legal spouses of their partner.

After further debate in both governmental chambers and on the 21st December 2000, a law was passed amending Book 1 Article 30 of the Civil Code which was amended to state: ‘A marriage may be entered into by two persons of different or same sex’. The law was officially published on the 11th January 2001, the Netherlands had made history and soon after many countries followed in years to come.

Designed by Koos Breen, his idea featured on the reverse side is based on a quote by Job Cohen, Mayor of Amsterdam from 2001 to 2010 who made the public declaration ‘We have come to the realisation that an important bond like marriage must be open to everyone’. The word IEDEREEN (everyone) therefore takes centre stage in the coin’s design, appearing separately on the right side within a wedding band. Two important symbols are featured, intertwined wedding rings as a symbol of marriage and the rainbow colours symbolic of inclusion. The inscription 25 JAAR OPENSTELLING VAN HET HUWELIJK VOOR (25 years of opening up marriage to) which is shown along the left rim. The denomination €10 (gold) or €5 (silver) is seen just near the upper right rim. The same circular design elements appear on the obverse which features a stylised effigy of HM King Willem-Alexander facing to the right and off-centre to the left. The legend WILLEM-ALEXANDER KONING DER NEDERLANDEN is placed along the left rim and the the year of issue, 2026 is seen just near the upper right rim.

Available from the 1st April, the silver Proof €5 coin is presented in a colourful folder and includes several historical images. The €10 gold Proof quality coin is encapsulated and presented in a custom wood branded Royal Dutch Mint case along with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Dutch Mint.