Netherlands Queen Juliana Silver 2½ Gulden Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Dutch Mint (Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt), Utrecht, Netherlands. Established in 1567, it is the official producer of Dutch currency with a long-standing reputation for high precision and quality.
Pattern: Queen Juliana Effigy Circulation and Commemorative Coinage, introduced in 1948 upon her accession to the throne. Production of this specific silver denomination ended with her abdication in 1980.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Dutch Mint (Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt), Utrecht, Netherlands. Established in 1567, it is the official producer of Dutch currency with a long-standing reputation for high precision and quality.
Material
720 Silver (72% silver, 28% copper), commonly known as .720 fine silver, standard for Dutch circulating silver coinage of this era.
Dimensions
Diameter approximately 38 mm, standard thickness around 2.5 mm, with a weight of approximately 15 grams for the 2½ Gulden denomination.
Description
A classic mid-century silver 2½ Gulden coin from the Netherlands featuring the dignified profile of Queen Juliana. The obverse showcases her portrait encircled by the national title, while the reverse typically displays the crowned Dutch coat of arms. The coin exhibits a pleasing silver luster with crisp details on the hair and crown motifs.
Key Features
Distinct right-facing portrait of Queen Juliana, .720 silver composition, legible Dutch royal inscriptions, and traditional reeded edge.
Material & Composition
720 Silver (72% silver, 28% copper), commonly known as .720 fine silver, standard for Dutch circulating silver coinage of this era.
Finish & Decoration
Standard circulation strike finish with a milled edge and raised beaded border. Features a right-facing portrait of Queen Juliana with the inscription 'JULIANA KONINGIN DER NEDERLANDEN'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (such as the mercury's staff for the Utrecht Mint) and mint master privy mark typically located on the reverse side of the coin, indicating official government issue.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure hydraulic coin presses from prepared silver alloy blanks, featuring a reeded/milled edge applied during the striking process.
Functional Features
Standard legal tender issued for circulation in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, designed for ease of handling, stacking, and transaction use.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable for coins; features a reeded edge which traditionally helped deter clipping and provided tactile grip.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial minting displaying precise die sinking, uniform thickness, sharp edge reeding, and consistent metal alloy distribution.
Authentication Indicators
Correct weight, diameter, and alloy composition typical of genuine mid-century Dutch coinage. Sharp relief, accurate font types, and proper mint marks confirm authenticity.
Origin & Manufacturing
Minted in Utrecht, Netherlands, adhering to strict national minting standards and monetary regulations.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (1948-1980), corresponding to the reign of Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950s-1970s, depending on the exact year minted during Queen Juliana's reign.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-WWII reconstruction era and monarchical stability of the Netherlands, serving as both everyday currency and a store of value for Dutch citizens.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent condition with minor surface wear consistent with light circulation or storage, retaining strong design details and clear lettering without major gouges or rim dents.
Value Estimate
Melt value based on silver weight plus a small numismatic premium, generally ranging from $10 to $25 USD depending on the specific year, mintage, and condition.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry environment using inert coin flips, capsules, or an archival coin album. Avoid harsh cleaning or polishing, which destroys the original surface and reduces numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
Dutch 1 Gulden and 10 Gulden silver coins of the same era, as well as contemporaneous European silver circulating coins like Belgian or French franc pieces.
Interesting Facts
Queen Juliana was the grandmother of the current Dutch monarch, King Willem-Alexander. Her reign saw significant modernization of the Netherlands as well as the decolonization of the Dutch East Indies.