Netherlands €5 2003. 150th birthday of Vincent van Gogh. Proof

Netherlands €5 2003. 150th birthday of Vincent van Gogh. Proof



$19.95

Gold and Silver Commemorative Euros on Sesquicentennial of Birth of Vincent Van Gogh
 
An unknown, unloved and unappreciated failure during his life (he sold only one painting), Vincent van Gogh has become in death virtually synonymous with the Netherlands. He is one of the country's most recognized figures and by virtue of the museum that bears his name, one of its greatest attractions. It will be no surprise then, to learn that the Dutch State recognized the 150th anniversary of his birth onMarch 30, 1853 with gold and silver euro commemorative coins.

The 10 euro gold and 5 euro silver piece are identical in design and are emblematic both of the Dutch tradition of unusual coinage as well as of Van Gogh's characteristic Postimpressionist style. Both the obverse and reverse make use of the placement
and concentration of a key word to simulate the slashing brush strokes from which the artist created beauty out of a cacophony of light and color. On the obverse, the head of Queen Beatrix is made of the words "KONINGEN DER NEDERLANDEN" (Queen of the Netherlands). The name "VAN GOGH" is used to the same effect on the reverse, where the artist is seen as he is in one of his famous self-portraits.


The 10 euro coin has the same specifications as the old 10 guilder gold piece (in Dutch "gouden tientje”): It weighs 6.72 grams, is .900 fine (21.6 kt) gold and is 22.5
mm in diameter. Please call for price and availability . It is in proof quality.

The silver 5 euro is made of .925 (sterling) silver, weighs 11.99 grams and is 29 mm (1.15") in diameter.