

This is a PMG 68 Superb Gem Uncirculated example of the Netherlands 25 Gulden from 1971 (Pick P-92a), showcasing exceptional preservation with vibrant pink, magenta, orange, and yellow color blocking throughout the design. The note features a striking portrait of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck on the obverse and intricate geometric security patterns on the reverse, including dual security elements with wheel and concentric circle designs. This high-grade specimen represents the pinnacle of condition for this denomination, with all design elements crisp and well-defined, making it a premium collectible for Dutch currency specialists.
Common. The eBay market data shows consistent selling activity across all grades, with numerous examples in circulation from $7 to $178 across various conditions over more than a decade of trading records. Even high-grade specimens (PMG 66-68) regularly appear on the market at moderate prices ($65-$178), indicating substantial print runs and ongoing availability. The 1971 issue was part of the standard circulation series of the Nederlandsche Bank and remains readily obtainable for collectors, particularly in typical circulated grades (VF-EF at $12-$25). The PMG 68 grade, while premium, is not exceptionally scarce for this issue.
Issued on 10 February 1971 by Nederlandsche Bank, this 25 Gulden note commemorates Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, the renowned Dutch Renaissance composer and organist, reflecting the Netherlands' cultural heritage during the post-war economic period. The note's modern geometric design language, with its bold color blocking and security innovations, represents the evolution of Dutch banknote design in the early 1970s, incorporating advanced anti-counterfeiting measures typical of the era. The formal signatures of the bank's secretary and president dated Amsterdam 10 februari 1971 authenticate this as an official issue during a transitional period in Dutch monetary design.
The obverse features a left-facing profile portrait of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, the 16th-17th century Dutch master composer and organist, rendered in fine red line work against horizontal color bands of pink, magenta, orange, and yellow. The reverse displays a distinctive modernist design composed of flowing curved parallel lines forming figure-eight and oval patterns in the same color palette, with a prominent security element box on the upper left containing geometric patterns: a wheel/spoke design and concentric circles (target pattern) above the matching serial number. Large denomination numerals appear in all four corners, while the text 'VIJF EN TWINTIG GULDEN' (Twenty-Five Guilders) identifies the denomination in Dutch. The overall aesthetic reflects 1970s modernist design sensibilities combined with classical portraiture, creating a balance between cultural tradition and contemporary security innovation.
FRONT SIDE: '25' (denomination in corners); 'amsterdam 10 februari 1971' (date of issue); 'secretaris' (secretary); 'president' (president); 'de nederlandsche bank' (The Dutch Bank); 'VIJF EN TWINTIG GULDEN' (Twenty-Five Guilders); '2252769084' (serial number); 'jan pieterszweelinck' (portrait identification). REVERSE SIDE: '25' (denomination in corners); '2252769084' (serial number); 'RDE OXENAAR INV' (designer/inventor R.D.E. Oxenaar); 'AUTEURSRECHT DE NEDERLANDSCHE BANK NV' (Copyright The Dutch Bank NV); 'JOH ENSCHEDE EN ZONEN IMP' (Joh. Enschedé and Sons, Printer); microprint text within security element (content not legible in image).
This note was printed by Johan Enschedé (Joh. Enschede en Zonen), the renowned Dutch security printer, employing intaglio printing methods evidenced by the fine line work, detailed cross-hatching patterns, and crisp geometric security designs visible on both sides. The color blocking technique utilizing multiple passes of pink, magenta, orange, and yellow inks demonstrates sophisticated multi-color intaglio or offset-intaglio hybrid printing. The rectangular wave watermark and security elements featuring the wheel and concentric circle patterns were produced through specialized security printing techniques typical of high-security banknote production in the 1970s.
This specimen carries serial number 2252769084, which represents a 10-digit serial numbering scheme standard for Netherlands banknotes of this era. No significant varieties have been documented for the 1971 25 Gulden Pick P-92a beyond standard production variations. The date inscription 'amsterdam 10 februari 1971' on the obverse confirms this as an official Nederlandsche Bank issue from the initial release date. No known overprints, signature variations, or other distinguishing varieties affect the cataloging of this denomination in its standard form.