Submitting Organziation Name and role, if any, in the Project
The Royal Canadian Mint in support of the Central Bank of Curaçao & Sint Maarten
Coin Denomination/s and Date of Issue
Coin Issuer’s Organization Name
Project Description
In 2010, Curaçao and Sint Maarten became autonomous countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was then decided that the two countries would form a monetary union with a shared central bank and one currency – the Caribbean Guilder.
The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) has chosen to modernize its currency with the introduction of the Caribbean Guilder, replacing the Antillean Guilder as the official currency of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. This initiative reflects the region’s commitment to enhancing monetary sovereignty, promoting economic integration, and elevating the aesthetic and security standards of its currency.
The project involves a comprehensive redesign of both banknotes and coins, incorporating advanced anti-counterfeiting features and sustainable materials to align with global trends in currency production. The coin series features denominations optimized for daily transactions, including 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50-cent pieces, alongside 1 and 5 Guilder coins.
Designed with a distinctive Caribbean identity, the coins celebrate the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and biodiversity of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Intricate designs include depictions of iconic landmarks, coat of arms, King’s effigy an orange blossom, paired with state-of-the-art minting technology such as multi-ply nickel plated steel, microtext, and edge lettering for added security.
The Caribbean Guilder aims to reinforce confidence in the CBCS and its role in economic stability while providing a modern, user-friendly currency for residents and businesses. This launch is a milestone in the region’s monetary history, setting a new standard for functional, secure, and visually compelling currency.
Project Team
Legal Tender/Continuous Circulation/Face Value Confirmation
If the nominator is not the Owner, please check this box that the Owner is aware and accepting this nomination
Innovation and Uniqueness of Design
The Caribbean Guilder coin series introduces a groundbreaking blend of artistry and technology, making it both secure and visually striking.
The Caribbean Guilder coins share the maritime theme, with the seashells, the turtles and the waves of the ocean. The coins have similar but distinct designs for Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
All coins use industry leading plating technologies which offer increased security with the vending industry; multi-ply nickel plated steel and cyanide free bronze plating. Each coin has a unique edge finish which allows to easily distinguish between coin denominations and considers the visually impaired. In addition, the higher denominations include unique features such as bi-metallic and tri-metallic construction. The 1 and 5 guilder coins also incorporate micro-text and edge lettering.
This innovative approach not only safeguards the currency but also transforms the coins into a celebration of the Caribbean’s rich heritage, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Integration of historical or local content that is relevant to the country concerned
The coin series integrates historical and local elements. Central to the design is the effigy of King Willem-Alexander, reflecting the constitutional ties to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The design of the new Caribbean Guilder draws inspiration from the ”World Under the Sea”. Fish swim freely, seeing no borders. This serves as a metaphor for the unity shared between the countries of Curaçao and Sint Maarten within its monetary union.
Each coin incorporates unique symbols of the islands’ heritage and natural beauty. The outline of Curaçao, surrounded by the word ”Curaçao” in microtext waves, evokes the island’s maritime culture and connection to the sea. The coat of arms of Sint Maarten highlights the island’s distinct identity and pride.
Complementing these are delicate motifs of the orange blossom, a symbol of renewal and resilience; rays of the sun, representing vitality and warmth; and seashells, paying homage to the islands’ marine biodiversity.
Effectiveness of integration of security features into the coin
When designing the new coin series, security features were a main consideration to protect the currency from counterfeiters. With vending industry a key consideration a special multi-ply plating recipe was created for each of the denominations. This allows for greater security in vending and protects the integrity of the coin values.
Furthermore, various edges were selected to help differentiate between denominations. For the top denominations, bi-metal and tri-metal coin construction was chosen to increase the security even further which included edge lettering and micro text.
Aesthetic appeal and overall design of the coin or coin series
When creating the new coin series, the objective was to deliver a state-of-the-art coin series which was secure and resonated with the public. In doing so, we implemented the most advanced coin manufacturing technologies while being creative and unique in the design elements; both from an artistry and engineering standpoint.
Featured in the designs; Curaçao country outlines, Sint Maarten Coat of Arms, King Alexander, Orange blossom, sun rays and seashells all relate to the history, pride and people of Curacao and Sint Maarten.
