10 Guilders Netherlands William III Gold Coin | 1875 - 1889

10 guilders Netherlands, Willem III — gold, 1875-1889

A historic Dutch circulating coin holding 6.06 g of fine gold at 900 fineness, with a total weight of 6.729 g. Struck during the reign of King Willem III between 1875 and 1889. The year depends on the delivery.

Technical specification

Historic gold — why 900 rather than 999.9

Circulating coins of the nineteenth and early twentieth century were struck from an alloy of 900 fineness, nine parts gold to one part copper. The reason was practical: pure gold is too soft for daily circulation and would wear away in pockets and purses. Copper adds hardness and a slightly warmer tone.

The consequence for a buyer is simple: the coin's total weight exceeds its fine gold content, and the second figure is what determines value. On bullion coins struck today the two are nearly equal; on historic coins they are not.

Willem III and the Dutch coat of arms

The obverse shows the head of King Willem III facing right, with the Dutch legend "GOD ZIJ MET ONS" — God be with us. It is the motto of the Netherlands, still found today on the edge of that country's euro coins.

The reverse shows the crowned Dutch coat of arms with its heraldic lion and the legend KONINGRIJK DER NEDERLANDEN with the denomination and year. The edge is reeded.

Mintages varied sharply between years: from just over fifty thousand pieces in 1880 to roughly one and a half million in 1876. As this item is supplied from coins of mixed years, the mintage of any given piece depends on the delivery.

Why GoldInvest24

We source from state mints and LBMA-accredited producers, in original packaging. Every shipment is insured and packed discreetly, with no markings indicating the contents. We also run a gold and silver buyback. Current quotes are on our gold price page.

Frequently asked questions

How much fine gold does the coin contain?

6.06 grams. The total weight is 6.729 g because the coin is struck from a 900 fine alloy — the balance is copper added for hardness.

Will I receive a specific year?

No. This item is supplied from coins struck between 1875 and 1889; the year depends on the delivery.

Why a 900 alloy rather than pure gold?

Because it was a circulating coin. Pure gold is too soft for daily use — copper adds hardness.

Is VAT charged on this coin?

In Poland gold meeting the conditions for bullion is exempt from VAT under Article 122 of the VAT Act.

Do you buy this product back?

We buy back gold and silver. The buyback price follows the current metal quote and the condition of the product together with its packaging.