Interesting Article About A Recent Dutch 5 Euro Coin

No matter how I dislike such designs, I have to admit that the concept is very interesting and every little detail on the coin has it's meaning.

The coin is about both architecture and architectural theory. So using books as the "silhouettes" of buildings makes a lot of sense. Or, as the Dutch mint puts it: "The reverse of the Architecture five-euro coin draws attention to the striking fact that many Dutch architects have also included publishing books on architecture in their professional activities. To illustrate this phenomenon, recent books on architecture rise up from the sides of the coin like buildings."

As for the portrait of the Queen, well, since those collector coins do not actually circulate, it won't wear anyway. Some other Dutch €5 and €10 pieces can be viewed here: http://www.herdenkingsmunt.nl/ This one is a little different though. Used to be that an unc silver version could be had at face while the proof version was more expensive. Now the face value version is a base metal coin, and the silver piece is larger and more expensive ...

Christian