Today, the newest Silver Ducat of the Royal Dutch Mint was revealed at Duivenvoorde Castle, the castle depicted on the coin. Antoinette van Dorssen, the castle’s director, received the first copy of the Silver Ducat. The sale of the coin has started immediately on our website.
Duivenvoorde CastleDuivenvoorde Castle in Voorschoten, was built in the 13th century as a defense tower. Remnants of this tower can still be seen in the facade and the front house of the castle. Over the years, the castle's defensive function has virtually disappeared and the building has primarily been given a residential function (mainly as a summer residence). Gradually, many halls and wings have been added to the main structure. The castle has always been owned by families: it has never been sold, only acquired by inheritance. As a result, the castle has been home to the Van Wassenaer family (13th-18th century), the Steengracht family (19th century) and finally the Schimmelpenninck Van Der Oye family (20th century). In 1960 the last owner, Ludolphine Henriette Baroness Schimmelpenninck Van Der Oye, placed Duivenvoorde into a foundation. The castle including the surrounding park has been open to the public since 1963. Entire rooms remain intact and there are many personal belongings with historical value, making a visit to the castle feel like a journey through time.
Silver Ducat “Duivenvoorde Castle”
The Silver Ducat “Duivenvoorde Castle” is part of the series “Dutch Castles”. From every Dutch province, one castle will be depicted. Duivenvoorde Castle represents the province of Zuid-Holland and follows, among others, Westhove Castle (Zeeland), Loevestein Castle (Gelderland), De Haar Castle (Utrecht) and Muiderslot Castle (North Holland).
The Silver Ducat comes in a luxury packaging inspired by the harnass of a knight and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. The obverse depicts knight Godard de Ginkell in front of the medieval castle. The province weapon of Zuid-Holland can be found on his shield. The inscription on this issue reads: “MO.NO.ARG.REG.BELGII.HOL MER”. “MO.NO.ARG.REG.BELGII.” is the Latin abbreviation for “Moneta Nova Argenta Regni Belgii”: New Silver coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. “HOL MER” stands for the province of Zuid-Holland. On the reverse of the Silver Ducat, the national coat of arms of the Netherlands with the Royal Crown between the numbers of the year can be found. The inscription reads: “CONCORDIA RES PARVAE CRESCUNT”: unity makes strength. The mint mark and privy mark (with *) can also be found on the reverse.
Order the Silver Ducat “Duivenvoorde Castle” on our website now!