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The Royal Dutch Mint has launched new gold and silver one and two-ounce collector restrike limited edition medals which replicate one of Europe’s most memorable and significant trade coins issued in the late sixteenth century. The official restrikes of the prinsendaalder, or prince dollar, from 1583 are also in honour of 450 years of the foundation of the Netherlands, which emerged as an independent state. On the 1st April 1572, a battle cry was heard along with the sound of approaching soldiers. Soon after, the Watergeuzen (“Sea Beggars”) — a group of nobles opposed to Spanish rule — captured the town of Den Briel, in Flanders. With a counter-attack from the Spanish on the 5th April which failed, it became apparent the Dutch could not only defeat Spanish military strength, but they could also one day become independent of Spanish rule. The capture of Den Briel provided a turning point in the revolt led by William of Orange (1533–1584). Not long after that, in July 1572, the first Free States meeting took place in Dordrecht, which was in itself an important act of political resistance against King Philip II of Spain. 1572 is therefore seen as the year of the birth of the Netherlands. In January 1579, the northern provinces of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Friesland, Gelderland, and Groningen concluded the Union of Utrecht treaty, effectively establishing the United Provinces. In 1581, the protestant population appointed Prince William of Orange as de-facto Stadtholder and he continued the fight to free the provinces from the rule of King Philip II, hereditary ruler of the provinces. Also known as William the Silent, he is remembered as the main leader of the Dutch revolt, leading to the Eighty Years’ War, which resulted in the formal independence of the United Provinces, achieved in 1648. William of Orange was assassinated by a supporter of King Philip II on the 10th July 1584 days before his official inauguration but the actions before his death played a very important part in the Dutch Revolt, eventually laying the groundwork for the birth of the Netherlands. He was succeeded as leader of the rebellion and a year later as Stadtholder by his second son Maurice of Nassau (1567–1625), Prince of Orange.
The medals are produced by the Royal Dutch Mint at their facilities in Houten. The obverse side is accurately recreated and includes a right-facing effigy of an armoured bust of Willem van Oranje with a sword in his right hand resting on his shoulder. The design was inspired by the silver thalers once issued by his father-in-law, Maurice, Duke of Saxony (1521-1553). The legend around the effigy reads VIGILATE DEO CONFIDENTES and translates to “be vigilant, trusting in God.” To the left of the sword are the mintmarks representing the mint itself and the mintmaster.
The reverse depicts a helmeted provincial coat of arms. Above the image of Willem is the year of release, 2022. The reverse side also recreates the helmeted provincial coat of arms. Surrounding the crest is the legend in Latin MO NO ARG COMIT HOL ZEL, translating to “New silver coin of the County of Holland and Zeeland.”
| Denom. |
Metal |
Weight | Diameter | Quality |
Maximum Mintage |
| Prinsendaalder |
.999 Silver |
31.1 g | 38.7 mm | Proof |
300 |
| Prinsendaalder — piedfort |
.999 Silver |
62.2 g | 38.7 mm | Proof |
75 |
| Prinsendaalder |
.999 Gold |
31.1 g | 38.7 mm | Proof |
15 |
| Prinsendaalder — piedfort |
.999 Gold |
62.2 g | 38.7 mm | Proof |
10 |
The Prince dollar is struck in gold and silver to Proof quality in weights of one and two ounces. Each is encapsulated and presented in a custom case accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. Produced in very limited quantities, the gold and silver medals are available from the website of the Royal Dutch Mint.
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