Anton Geesink was the first non-Japanese to win the World Judo Championship in the heaviest weight division in 1961. The judoka won many prizes for his performance on the mat, but has also left his mark on judo beyond his athletic achievements. For example, he invented the contrasting colours of the opponents. Nowadays, one wears white and the other blue. This makes the competitions much better to follow for the referee and the audience.
Anton Geesink 5 Euro Coin
A Tribute to the Famous Judoka
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Anton Geesink 10 Euro Coin 2021 Gold Proof
Official 10 euro commemorative coin honouring the world-famous judoka Anton Geesink
Anton Geesink 5 Euro Coin 2021 Silver Proof
Official 5 euro commemorative coin honouring the world-famous judoka Anton Geesink
Anton Geesink 5 Euro Coin 2021 BU-quality in Coincard
Official 5 euro commemorative coin honouring the world-famous judoka Anton Geesink
Anton Geesink 5 Euro Coin 2021 UNC-quality in Coincard
Official 5 euro commemorative coin honouring the world-famous judoka Anton Geesink
Special Set: Tokyo Then and Now
Judo legend Anton Geesink and current world champion Noël van ‘t End in one set
Anton Geesink
The Designer
The Anton Geesink 5 Euro Coin was designed by Swedish artist Malin Persson. She became inspired by a picture of Anton Geesink’s victory at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The picture shows Geesink himself, keeping his opponent Akio Kaminaga in a firm headlock. The image represents Geesink’s tenacity, whilst retaining a sense of respect: the respect to accept defeat, but also to triumph without tainting the honour of the opponent.