Golden double ducat

The Gold Double Ducat has been minted since 1716. Since the single ducat had already been a reliable and widely recognised trade coin in Europe since 1586, there was growing demand for a larger version with the same trust and reputation. For this reason, the design remained almost identical, but the double ducat simply contained twice the amount of gold.

The double ducat has a diameter of 26 mm, weighs 6.988 grams and contains 23.7 karat gold (0.986/1000). This means the coin consists of more than 6.869 grams of fine gold — exactly double that of the single ducat. Due to the minimal addition of silver and copper, the coin is slightly more durable than pure 24-karat gold, while still maintaining an almost pure level of fineness.

The ducat is still issued today by the Royal Dutch Mint, almost unchanged in design, as a tribute to its rich trading history. We offer double gold ducats from various years. The year may vary and is not known in advance. The ducat is internationally recognised and widely accepted, making it highly tradable. You purchase a coin with a high gold content, a piece of Dutch history and solid investment value. 

Note: years shown in images are for illustration only.

Delivery and packaging of the double gold ducat

• Insured shipping or collection by appointment in Alkmaar, Rotterdam or Tilburg
• Each coin packed in a plastic coin sleeve or hard plastic capsule
• Secure and insured storage available via Holland Gold Safe

Why choose the Gold Double Ducat

• 23.7 karat gold (98.6% pure)
• Dutch cultural heritage
• Classic and historic design

Design of the double gold ducat

The Gold Ducat has carried the same recognisable design since 1586, with only minimal changes throughout the centuries. In 1716, the Double Gold Ducat was introduced: not a new design, but the same coin in a larger, heavier and thicker format, containing precisely twice the amount of gold as the single version.

The obverse traditionally features a standing knight holding a sword and a bundle of arrows, surrounded by the Latin motto “CONCORDIA RES PARVAE CRESCUNT”, meaning: “Unity makes small things grow”.

The reverse has displayed the same Latin text for centuries: “MO. AUR. REG. BELGII AD LEGEM IMPERII”, translated as: “Gold coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands according to Imperial law”. This makes the double ducat — like the single — instantly recognisable as part of one of the longest-used coin designs in the world.

Although the design has remained almost unchanged since the 16th century, a renewed depiction of the knight appeared in 2018 for the first time in 32 years. This updated version preserves the classic appearance but was subtly refined by the Royal Dutch Mint to continue its historical tradition.

Fun fact:
Until 1982, any Dutch citizen could have ducats struck at the Royal Mint by bringing at least 10 kg of gold. After 1982, this was no longer possible.

History of the Gold Ducat

The Gold Ducat has a long history dating back to 1586, when the coin was officially defined in Dutch coinage law. The design was originally inspired by the Venetian ducat, but in the Netherlands it became an independent and highly trusted trade coin with a prominent role in international commerce. Thanks to its consistent weight and high gold purity, the ducat was accepted worldwide — from Europe and Russia to trade routes in Asia.

During the major trading periods of the Dutch Republic, including VOC voyages, large quantities of ducats were used as payment. The coin was so desirable that multiple countries produced imitations. In 1716, the Double Gold Ducat was introduced: a variant with the same design but twice the gold content, intended for higher-value trade. This emphasised the importance of instantly recognisable characteristics, such as the knight with sword and arrow bundle and the fixed Latin inscriptions.

Although the Gold Ducat no longer circulates as legal tender, the design has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. The Royal Dutch Mint continues to strike Single and Double Gold Ducats annually as a tribute to this commercial legacy. As one of the oldest gold coins still in production, the ducat remains a popular choice for investors and collectors seeking a combination of gold value and history.

Price and resale value

Would you like to sell gold coins? Holland Gold offers a buyback guarantee on this coin. We also purchase coins that were not originally bought from us. On our website, under ‘sell to us’, you will find the current purchase price.