2024 Netherlands Proof Silver Ducat Helpoort Gate (Box/COA)

For the third release in this series, we travel to Maastricht, home to the Helpoort—the oldest still-existing city gate in the Netherlands. Built in 1229 as part of the city’s first medieval fortifications, the gate originally served a defensive role. From the second half of the 15th century onward, it also functioned as an arsenal, gunpowder storage, and even a residence.

Construction of the Helpoort began after approval was granted by Duke Hendrik I of Brabant. Its name translates directly to “Hell Gate,” a title believed to reference the street behind it, once thought to be a red-light district where sinful behaviour was said to lead one to hell. Over time, the gate was known by several names—including Jekerpoort, Hoogbruggepoort, and De Twee Torens (The Two Towers)—reflecting its many uses. Today, the Helpoort is part of the Vestingmuseum and is open to visitors from March 9 to November 3, offering insight into the history of Maastricht and its fortifications.

Coin Highlights:

• Contains 1 oz of .999 fine silver.
• Mintage of only 1,750 coins.
• Responding to collector feedback, the Silver Ducat is now presented in a more compact package that takes up less space and conveniently fits through a standard mailbox.
• Obverse: The obverse of the Silver Ducat “Helpoort” depicts Duke Karel van Egmond in front of the famous building. The province weapon of Limburg can be found on his shield. The inscription on this issue reads: “MO.NO.ARG.REG.BELGII.LIMB”. “MO.NO.ARG.REG.BELGII.LIMB.” is the Latin abbreviation for “Moneta Nova Argenta Regni Belgii”: New Silver coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. LIMB stands for the province of Limburg.
• Reverse: 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.
• Guaranteed by the Royal Dutch Mint.

Complete the next chapter of the series—order the Helpoort Silver Ducat today.

About the Royal Dutch Mint
The Royal Dutch Mint is a company owned entirely by the Dutch state, and since 1807 the only Dutch entity that is allowed to strike and issue coins.

On September 17, 1806, when the Netherlands was under the rule of King Louis Napoleon, he decided that the striking and distribution of coins should be by a single, national body. This was in contrast to the Middle Ages custom of large trading cities having their own mint and coins, which resulted in several coins circulating within the country and many levels of controlling bureaucracy.

Originally, it was the intention to found the mint in the capital city of Amsterdam, but since there was insufficient finance available, it was decided to locate the national mint seat in Utrecht.

After Napoleon was defeated in 1813 and the Kingdom of the Netherlands was founded with William I as king, the mint was renamed as Rijks Munt. What is now known as Belgium was a part of the new kingdom, and a second mint was located in Brussels. When Belgium achieved independence in 1839, the Rijks Munt became the only mint in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The provincial coins had been minted before the unification of the mint were still in circulation. Due to their relatively high intrinsic value, the "new" coins would only gain popularity with the passage of time. In 1849, the provincial coins were officially taken out of circulation.

In 1901, the company was placed under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance, and in 1912 the mint officially became a company owned by the state. At the end of the German occupation during the Second World War in 1944, coins were produced in the United States. This was necessary to ensure that there would be enough currency available after the liberation. In 1994, Rijks Munt was renamed as De Nederlandse Munt NV. It became a company with 100% of its shares owned by the Dutch state. The queen awarded the company the prefix Koninklijk (Royal) five years later, and it was now allowed to call itself De Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (The Royal Dutch Mint).