Netherlands. New Gold and Silver Proof Restrikes Featuring Historic Golden Shield Design Released

Golden Shields are the oldest gold coin minted in significant quantities in the Netherlands. Originally a coin with a weight of between 3.3 and 3.7 grams with a gold fineness of just over 70 percent and were mixed with other lesser metals to ensure durability in trade. Earlier Variations of the Golden shield coins were minted by the Duchy of Brabant in 1354, during the rule of Count Willem V of Holland who is credited with introducing the first gold coin of the County of Holland similar to the gold Ecu coins originating in France. Eventually, the coins were referred to as ‘Golden Shields’ in reference to the ornate and detailed crest. Depicted on the obverse, the shield of the Bavarian Royal House is shown next to the seated William I, Duke of Bavaria - who ruled in Holland as Count Willem V.

Under the rule of Albert of Bavaria which ended in 1404, the weight and gold content were reduced, after which the coins were colloquially dubbed as Klinckaert due to the distinct high ringing pitch the coins made when they hit counters or floors.

During the year 1411 in the Dutch city Dordrecht, the gold coins became widely used and sought after with a seated figure of Willem VI, son of Albert, Duke of Bavaria shown on the obverse. Count Willem’s Golden Shield coins were minted between 1411 and up to his death in 1417. Other notable Golden shield coins or, Klinckaerts were minted during the rule of Duke Philip of Bavaria from 1426 to 1427.

Ultimately, the Golden Shield coins were replaced with, or evolved into other gold coins of similar specifications when they were issued under successive rulers of Holland. Following the rule of the Wittelsbach dukes of Bavaria who ruled Holland, Hainaut, and Zeeland from 1346 to 1433, the House of Burgundy took control, followed by the House of Habsburg in 1482.

The Klinckaert coins are a tangible piece of Dutch numismatic history and, especially for the period in which it was minted they display a very impressive design. The restrike of the Klinckaert is based on the most famous variant of the Golden Shield, minted in 1411 during the rule of Count Willem VI. The impressive obverse depicts the Count seated on a Gothic throne with a sword in his right hand and with his left hand resting on a coat of arms of Holland-Bavaria. The Latin text GVILLELM DVX COM HOLAND Z ZEL (Willem, Duke and Count of Holland and Zeeland) encircles the coin. The reverse side depicts a cross surrounded by stylised floral elements and within a rounded cross shape. The abbreviated Latin inscription XPC VINCIT: XPC REGNAT: XPC IMPERAT: which translates as Christ conquers, Christ reigns, Christ commands) is shown along the rim surrounding the primary design.

Available from the 19th February, the Klinckaerts are struck in gold and silver to proof quality in weights of one and two ounces. The gold restrikes are encapsulated and presented in a custom hardwood case accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The silver examples are encapsulated and presented in a two-piece pressed tin round case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Dutch Mint.