The new coins mark the occasion of the 25th anniversary of reign of HRH Grand Duke Henri. Luxembourg has been an independent nation since 1890 when they peacefully separated from the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The present Grand Duke acceded to the throne of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on the 7th October 2000. As the eldest son of the previous Grand Duke Jean, who had served as Luxembourg’s head of state since 1964, Henri succeeded his father upon his abdication the same day. After his swearing in which took place in the country’s Chamber of Deputies, Henri became the sixth sovereign of Luxembourg and of the current Nassau dynasty.
The people of the Grand Duchy were made aware of their sovereign’s plans for his future and a possible stepping aside during his official birthday speech on the 23rd June 2024. Henri signified that he planned to abdicate in the future and announced that he would begin transferring his constitutional powers, roles and positions to his eldest son and heir apparent. During his Christmas address to the country on the 24th December 2024, the Grand Duke, who turned 70 years of age in April this year announced his pending abdication from the throne of Luxembourg, which will occur on the 3rd October 2025 – just four days short of his actual anniversary, and in favour of his eldest son, Prince Guillaume. The Grand Duke made his announcement –
‘The year 2024 is drawing to a close, and Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on the past year. This time, I do so with great emotion, as it is the last time that I will deliver the Christmas speech as Head of State’
In preparation for his impending duties as Grand Duke, Prince Guillaume was sworn in as Lieutenant-Representative at the Grand Ducal Palace, and later at the Chamber of Deputies on the 8th October 2024. It is expected that the 43 year old Prince and father of two will take the oath of sovereign with his wife, Princess Stephanie by his side.
The gold proof coins are produced by the Royal Dutch Mint at their facilities in Houten, Netherlands on behalf of the Banque Centrale de Luxembourg. Designed by artisan Ciara Principe, the reverse side recreates the investiture of Grand Duke Henri from a photograph taken the moment the sovereign raised his right hand and standing in front of the throne. Along the upper and right rim is the Luxembourgish inscription 25. TROUNJUBILÄUM VUM GROUSSHERZOG HENRI (25th throne anniversary of Grand Duke Henri) The denomination 250 EURO is placed just to the lower left. The obverse side depicts the definitive stylised profile effigy of HRH Grand duke Henri facing right and designed by Yvette Gastauer-Claire and in use from 2000. To the left of the image is the text LËTZEBUERG shown in a vertical direction and the year of issue, 2025.
DenominationMetalWeightDiameterQualityLimited Mintage250 Euro.999 Gold31.1 g.37 mm.Proof250
Each gold proof quality coin is encapsulated and presented in a polished, hardwood custom case accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the retail webpage of the Banque Centrale de Luxembourg.