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Press Release 2021-008
Willemstad/Philipsburg – This month, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) is issuing two new commemorative coins: a silver 5-guilder coin in honor of the 50th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Máxima and a silver 5-guilder coin marking the 90th anniversary of the Red Cross Curaçao.
50th Birthday of Queen Máxima
Máxima Zorreguieta was born on May 17, 1971 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She grew up in Argentina and studied economics at the Universidad Católica Argentina. After her studies, she left for New York where she worked at various banks. In 1999, she met Prince Willem-Alexander in the Spanish city of Seville and the couple married in 2002. Together they have three daughters: Princess Amalia, Princess Alexia and Princess Ariane. When Prince Willem-Alexander ascended the throne as King of the Netherlands in 2013, Máxima was given the title of Queen. In this capacity, she represents the royal family on official occasions and performs numerous other social functions.
Design and Mintage of Silver 5-Guilder Coin in Honor of Her Majesty Queen Máxima’s 50th Birthday
This coin was designed and minted on behalf of the CBCS by the Royal Dutch Mint. The obverse (front) of the silver 5-guilder coin shows the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Máxima accompanied by the text “Queen Máxima—50th Birthday.” To the left of the portrait is a laurel wreath as a symbol of celebration. To the right is a row of diamonds, emphasizing resilience and purity. The reverse side shows the coat of arms of the Netherlands Antilles with the country designation, the denomination “5 G” (guilder) and the year 2021. Also shown are the mint mark and the “mint master mark.” The coins, minted in Proof quality, which is the highest, come in a pouch with a Certificate of Authenticity. The mintage is strictly limited to 750 pieces. The coin is also legal tender in Curaçao and St. Maarten, with a nominal value of 5 guilders.
Ninety Years Red Cross Curaçao
This week, the Red Cross Curaçao celebrated its 90th anniversary. The very first Red Cross was founded in 1863 by Henry Dunant, a Swiss businessman, following a battle between France and Austria. Dunant helped to care for wounded soldiers on the battlefield and, under the motto “Tutti Fratelli -We are all brothers and must help each other,” also mobilized the local population. This fraternal gesture inspired him to establish a neutral relief organization that would provide aid in times of war: The Red Cross. The organization has since grown into the largest relief network in the world, with local societies in 192 countries. In 1931, Curaçao received its own branch of the Red Cross. Red Cross workers provide humanitarian assistance in Curaçao and the surrounding islands where needed. After natural disasters and other catastrophes, it provides safe shelter to those who are vulnerable. The Red Cross also distributes food parcels, provides medical assistance and helps with reconstruction.
Design and Mintage of Silver 5-Guilder Coin Commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Red Cross Curaçao
This coin too was designed and minted on behalf of the CBCS by the Royal Dutch Mint. The obverse of the silver 5-Guilder coin shows the island of Curaçao, with above it the logo of the Red Cross Curaçao and the dates 1931-2021. Above the logo, the two stars of Curaçao’s flag are depicted. The bottom half of the coin bears the words “Tutti Fratelli” and “We are all brothers,” this last quote in both Dutch and Papiamento. The reverse side shows the coat of arms of the Netherlands Antilles, with the country designation, the denomination “5 G” (guilder) and the year 2021. The mint mark and the mint master mark are also shown here. The coins, minted in Proof quality, which is the highest, come in a pouch with a Certificate of Authenticity. The mintage is limited to 350 pieces. The coin is also legal tender in Curaçao and St. Maarten, with a nominal value of 5 guilders.
The CBCS has a limited quantity of both coins available for sale, which starts in June. The retail price for the coins has been set at NAf 148.50 each. For more information about these and other commemorative coins, please visit our website www.centralbank.cw/functions/banknotescoins/commemorative-coins.
Willemstad, May 21, 2021
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN