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The ordering period is open for the 2026 Gold Ducats from the Netherlands. The Royal Dutch Mint annually strikes these legal coins based on the originals from the 16th and 17th centuries. All Dutch Gold Ducats, no matter which mint they came from, had a weight of about 3.5 grams and a purity of 983/1000 fine. This led to their worldwide acceptance, and placed them among the most important trade coins in world history.
These new Gold Ducats explore the history of Dutch trade guilds. From 2026 to 2029 a different guild will be featured annually – the blacksmiths' guild, the bakers' guild, the surgeons' guild, and the printers' guild.
This year, the focus of the first coin in the series is the blacksmiths' guild, represented by the hammer and pliers on the reverse.
The obverse has the classic knight in armor with arrows, designed by Utrecht Mint engraver from 1763 until 1795, Johan Willem Marmé. The Latin phrase Concordia Res Parvae Crescunt means “Unity makes Strength.” On the reverse, Mo. Aur. Reg. Belgii Ad Legem Imperii means “Gold coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands by law of the Empire.”
The Blacksmith’s Guild
Of all the medieval trade guilds, the blacksmith’s is one of the most important. Its members were responsible for making weapons for the army, including armor, swords, and spears. They also made important tools for farmers, and of course, they were indispensible when it came to making horseshoes. The blacksmith’s guild in Utrecht also included gold and silversmiths, locksmiths, and needle makers. The guild’s purpose was to assure members a reasonable standards of living, control competition, and ensure quality control. Guilds were abolished at the end of the 18th century.
Sales began on May 1, 2026. You can place your order up to June 30, 2026 when the mintage will be determined based on the number of orders received. We expect the final mintage to be lower than last year’s 675 coins. Please order by June 30, 2026. Delivery scheduled for July-August. You will not be charged until coins are ready to ship.
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