Netherlands Antilles Silver 1 Gulden

In 1941, while the Netherlands mainland fell to occupation, the Antilles 1 Gulden coins were minted in Philadelphia to maintain currency supply for the islands.

That American interlude meant these coins carried a subtle transatlantic flavor, struck on planchets that might have shared machinery with U.S. dimes. Over the years, from 1941 to 1985, the design evolved with portraits of successive queens—Wilhelmina first, then Juliana. The silver content started at 0.720 fineness but dropped later as metal prices fluctuated.

We don't have precise mintage records for every year; some archives were likely misplaced in postwar chaos. Still, common dates turn up in estate lots, while rarities fetch a quiet nod from collectors.

The 1970 issue, for instance, switched to cupronickel, but that's another story.