Silver Ducat “Poptaslot Castle” 2023

Silver Ducats are commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Finance and are collector coins. The issue depicting Poptaslot Castle is part of the ongoing series “Dutch castles”. Are you also collecting these silver coins?
 
Part 11: Discover how the nobility lived in Poptaslot Castle
A characteristic gatehouse, the stunning 16^th century crow-stepped gables, the breathtaking beauty of the gardens: welcome to Poptaslot in Marssum, Friesland. The castle was built in 1512 by the Heringa family. This is where the original name comes from: Heringa State. This name is kept when the noble Van Eysinga family gets hold of the castle trough an inheritance. The modernization carried out by this family can still be admired today. The beautiful, 17^th-century interior is still intact. Is this how the nobility lived? The stunning view of the castle leaves enough room for your imagination…
 
In 1687, the Heringa State again gets a new owner: dr. Henricus Popta. This means the name changes to Poptaslot Castle. Popta, a lawyer, initially only intends to use the house as a summer residence, but still makes sure that everything remains in excellent condition. This can still be noticed today! The Poptaslot Castle is open to the public in July and August: it is then possible to take a guided tour. Don’t forget to combine this visit with a walk through the gardens!
 
Knight Godard de Ginkell
As written in the Dutch Mint Act, a Silver Ducat must depict a knight in armour with a shield showing the province weapon in front of his left leg. Godard de Ginkell (1644 –1703) puts on the knight’s armour on all Silver Ducats in the series “Dutch Castles”. The historical knight is known in the Netherlands as Godard van Reede, but is named Godard de Ginkell in the United Kingdom thanks to his military earnings there. Discover Godard de Ginkell and other historical knights on our website.
 
Design
The obverse of the Silver Ducat “Poptaslot Castle” depicts knight Godard de Ginkell in front of the famous building. The province weapon of Friesland can be found on his shield. The inscription on this issue reads: “MO.NO.ARG.REG.BELGII. FRI”. “MO.NO.ARG.REG.BELGII.” is the Latin abbreviation for “Moneta Nova Argenta Regni Belgii”: New Silver coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. FRI stands for the province Friesland.
 
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. Here you can also find the mint mark and the privy mark.