Aruba Florin

The 1986 Aruba Florin was the first coinage issued for the island after it gained autonomous status, a practical move to distance itself from the Netherlands Antilles guilder.

That initial release included denominations like the 1, 2.5, and 5 florin coins, all struck at the Utrecht mint in the Netherlands. The designs featured the Aruban coat of arms on the obverse, with a lion holding a sword and the motto "One people, one nation, one destiny." On the reverse, simple numerals denoted the value, keeping things straightforward for everyday use.

We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that era can be spotty, as if the Dutch archives decided to take a permanent holiday. What stands out is how these coins reflected Aruba's economy, tied to tourism and aloe exports, without the usual fanfare.

Some folks swear these florins bring good luck, but after thirty years, I've yet to see one turn water into wine.