Major of Coevorden, Renze Bergsma, and general-major R.J Jeulink stroke a very special restrike today: a commemorative medal from 1672, in honor of 350 years Relief of Groningen and Coevorden. For this occasion, the Royal Dutch Mint brought along a historic coin press to strike the medal. This medal is part of a special set, which is available on the website of the Royal Dutch Mint. Groningen and Coevorden both celebrate the milestone of 350 years Relief. Both cities are inseparably connected through history.
The special set ‘350 years Relief of Groningen and Coevorden’ from the Royal Dutch Mint, first of all consists of a restrike from a special penning, coming from the Disaster Year 1672. With this restrike, both cities are reconnected. The obverse shows an image of the siege of the city Groningen by the bishop of Münster. The reverse shows a bird’s-eye view on the fortified city Coevorden, surrounded by soldiers. These events have created a common identity between the cities for 350 years. Every year, a new coin is minted in honor of the Relief of Groningen and Coevorden.There are also two Silver Ducats in the set: the Silver Ducat Fraeylemaborg Castle in Groningen and the Silver Ducat Coevorden Castle. The first Silver Ducat for Coevorden Castle was handed over to entrepreneurs Jan and Ben Woldring, owners of the castle.
350 years Relief of Groningen and Coevorden
The Disaster Year 1672 is the base for the connection between Groningen and Coevorden. During these troubled times, both cities have the a common enemy: the bishop of Münster. They also have the same hero: General Rabenhaupt gives the citizens back their freedom. To celebrate this freedom 350 years later, the special set is issued. Today, the medal was stroke in Coevorden. Tomorrow, on August 27th, this will also happen on the Grote Markt in Groningen.
Both the special set ‘350 years Relief of Groningen and Coevorden’ and the two separate Silver Ducats from Fraeylemaborg Castle and Coevorden Castle are available via de website of the Royal Dutch Mint. Here you can read all about the issues in the series Dutch Castles.