Designed by the Venetians in 1285 AD, it went on to become the de facto world trade currency for almost two centuries. With permission, many countries began minting their own version of the Ducat, keeping the same standards as the Venetians. The universal standard is 3.494 grams of gold at 98.6% purity. Most countries changed the design of their Ducats frequently as new rulers and governments emerged, but the Dutch were strongly against this.
The Dutch Ducat is unique in that it has retained the exact same design on the obverse and reverse for over 400 years. The obverse features a knight with a longsword on his right shoulder and 13 arrows in his left hand. The reverse features an ornamental plaque with a Latin phrase inscribed on it. “A coin of the provinces of the United Netherlands according to the law of the Empire.” The Netherlands is one of four countries still minting gold ducats for collecting.
The coin featured, a 1985 Netherlands gold ducat proof specimen with the standard 0.1104 Troy oz of gold (3.433 grams). Gem Brilliant and in absolutely spectacular condition, It arrives in a new airtight capsule along with a brand new Guardhouse mahogany display box.
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