Catalog
| Issuer | Aruba |
|---|---|
| Year | 1986-2023 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 5 Cents |
| Currency | Florin (1986-date) |
| Composition | Nickel plated steel |
| Weight | 2 g |
| Diameter | 16 mm |
| Thickness | 1.7 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Evelino Fingal |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#1, Schön#1 |
| Obverse description | Coat of Arms of Aruba underneath legend between horizontal lines. Year, privy and mint mark. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | ARUBA 2001 |
| Reverse description | 5 c above line structure with filled shapes |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
5 c (Translation: 5 Cent) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
Royal Dutch Mint (Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt), Utrecht, Netherlands (1010-date) |
| Mintage |
1986 - - 776 000 1987 - - 461 651 1988 - - 656 500 1989 - - 770 000 1990 - - 612 000 1991 - - 412 000 1992 - - 810 500 1993 - - 709 100 1994 - - 709 100 1995 - - 808 500 1996 - - 587 500 1997 - - 535 500 1998 - - 920 000 1999 - - 823 000 2000 - - 886 500 2001 - - 946 900 2002 - - 1 006 000 2003 - - 1 104 100 2004 - - 502 500 2005 - - 602 500 2006 - - 602 000 2007 - - 1 152 000 2008 - - 1 152 000 2009 - - 2010 - - 2011 - - 2012 - - 2013 - - 2014 - - 2015 - - 2016 - - 2016 - - 2018 - - 2019 - - 2020 - - 2022 - - 2023 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 3660535330 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The Aruba 5 Cents coin, minted from 1986 to 2023, marks a pivotal moment in the island's history: its attainment of 'status aparte' within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on January 1, 1986. Designated KM#1 and Schön#1, this is the inaugural denomination of independent Aruban coinage, symbolizing the new nation's economic autonomy. Issued under Queen Beatrix and later King Willem-Alexander, it underscores Aruba's unique constitutional relationship within the Dutch monarchy, establishing its own currency.
Artistry: The 5 Cents coin's design embodies a modern, nationalistic aesthetic. The obverse prominently features the Aruban coat of arms: a lion for strength, an aloe plant for prosperity, a handshake for friendship, and the divi-divi tree as an indigenous icon, unified by a white cross. This emblem, a powerful national symbol, reflects the nation's pride. The reverse presents a clear, functional design with the large numeral '5' above 'CENTS' and the date, ensuring immediate recognition.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a nickel-plated steel planchet, 16 mm, 2 grams, this coin is robust for circulation. Key high-points for grading include the intricate details of the lion's mane and aloe leaves on the coat of arms, plus the sharp edges of the handshake and cross. On the reverse, the serifs of the numeral '5' and lettering are crucial. A full, sharp strike is desirable; circulation first impacts the raised coat of arms elements. Wear can also manifest as erosion of the nickel plating, exposing the steel core.