Dutch 5 Euro - 400 Years Netherlands - Manhattan

I wanted to share a recent addition to my collection. It's a 5 Euro commemorative coin issued by the Royal Dutch Mint to mark 400 years of ties between the Netherlands and Manhattan. Henry Hudson had first set foot on the island in 1609 while exploring for the Dutch East India Company.

Both sides of the coin feature detailed ariel maps of Manhattan. The obverse of the coin features a view of Manhattan in 2009 based on images from Google Earth. The reverse of the coin features a view of Manhattan from 1609 produced based on historical maps from the 17th century. The Dutch Mint used microscopic laser technology to produce detailed three dimensional engravings on the coin.

The coin was minted in silver proof and gold proof. Clad versions of the coin were also available for face value from Post Offices in the Netherlands, although I have been told they are sold out.

Most of my coin collection is comprised of United States coins, however I thought that this was a unique concept, wonderfully executed. I purchased two coins, one for myself and one for my son's growing collection.