Netherlands. Fifth Silver Ducat in Dutch City Gates Series Features the Sassenpoort Gate

Silver Ducats minted by order of the Dutch Ministry of Finance are still regarded as legal tender coins but are now issued only as numismatic collectables. First launched in 2023, the series features some of the many castles and city gates still regarded as important landmarks and historical sites. For 2025, the latest release focuses on the Hanseatic city of Zwolle and the Sassenpoort Gate. Regarded as an indisputable symbol of prosperity, the Sassenpoort Gate remains an admired city landmark which when visiting, should not be missed. Believed to date from the 15th century, this gate is the most important remnant of the medieval city wall surrounding Zwolle. The gate is quite large in size and during in the Middle Ages it was seen as the symbol of wealth in Zwolle due to its impressive stature. As a Hanseatic city, Zwolle was an important destination for trade and therefore a wide and large gate was ordered to be built. 

The Sassenpoort has played a leading role in many important moments in Dutch history and one particular event took place in 1524. Charles of Guelders, the duke who is coincidentally depicted on all the Silver Ducats in this series was planning to conquer the city. Unfortunately for the Duke, the population of Zwolle thought differently about this so, their strategy was to let the duke enter through the outer gate, which was many feet away. When the duke was in the inner courtyard, both the outer gate and the Sassenpoort Gate were closed and Charles of Guelders was imprisoned – much to his surprise. In order to negotiate for his release, he had to promise to leave the city alone and although he didn’t keep his word, the city was never conquered by him. Today, the Sassenpoort Gate is listed in the top 100 of Dutch Monuments and is well worth visiting if you’re in the area.

The obverse of the Sassenport Gate of Zwolle Silver Ducat depicts an armoured Duke Karel van Egmond (1467 – 1538) in front of the famous building. At his peak, he ruled as Duke of Guelders and Count of Zutphen and also was the last independent feudal ruler of the Netherlands. The provincial crest of zwolle is depicted on his shield. The traditional abbreviated Latin inscription around the primary design reads MO.NO.ARG.REG.BELGII.TRAN which translates as New Silver Coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – the designation TRAN represents the province of Overijssel. On the reverse of the Silver Ducat is the national crest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the Royal Crown placed between the two numerals of the year 2025. The inscription reads CONCORDIA RES PARVAE CRESCUNT, Unity makes Strength which is placed around the crest along the rim. The mintmaster’s privy mark is placed just under the first two numerals of the year and the mintmark of the Royal Dutch Mint is shown just under the second two numerals.

Available from the 14^th March, the coin is encapsulated and presented in a new reduced size metal round two-piece case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. The frequency of release will be 3 silver proof ducats a year. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Dutch Mint. Collectors in North America can visit the Coin & Currency Institute partner distributor.