100 years Dutch Water Defence Lines
The Dutch Waterlines (New Dutch Waterlines and Defence Line of Amsterdam) were under construction for 125 years. Today, in various places, you can clearly see how the Dutch managed the water: visit Muiderslot Castle, Loevestein Castle, or one of the many forts or beautiful fortified towns that make the Dutch Water Defence Lines a unique World Heritage site. Discover more at www.hollandsewaterlinies.nl/en.
Designer
The Dutch Waterlines 5 Euro Coin was designed by Hans Gremmen. After graduating from Graphic Lyseum in Eindhoven, Gremmen studied at the St. Joost School of Art & Design, followed by the Werkplaats Typografie in Arnhem. The graphic designer has since created numerous publications and designs, including the commemorative coin for the 750th anniversary of Amsterdam (2024).
Design
Dutch Waterlines form a sculptural landscape, its main features being land, water, and military structures. These three features are depicted in different layers on a map of the Netherlands. The same layers are used for the portrait of King Willem-Alexander on the obverse of the coin. Well-considered choices were also made in the area of typography, using a letter that is based on the letter that was first made around the same time the Dutch Water Defence Lines were being build (1815 – 1940).