The W.A. van Buren Banknote: Forty Years of Dutch History, Printed in Detail
In 1986, a young man named W.A. van Buren completed the Elfstedentocht — the gruelling 200-kilometre skating tour through eleven Frisian cities in the northern province of the Netherlands that has defined Dutch winter culture for generations. That young man is now King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. And this year, forty years on, his feat is being commemorated with a special banknote.
The W.A. van Buren banknote is a limited-edition collector’s item that brings together Dutch national heritage, intaglio craftsmanship and security printing in a single object.
The W.A. van Buren banknote is a limited-edition collector’s item that brings together Dutch national heritage, intaglio craftsmanship and security printing in a single object.
The note was designed by Buro Bend [https://www.burobend.nl/], with Royal Joh. Enschedé responsible for all banknote printing and technical execution. The front carries a portrait of a young Willem-Alexander during the 1986 tour, set against the Frisian province flag and subtle references to Dokkum, the city where the tour historically turns. The reverse traces the full Elfstedentocht route through Friesland, with a visual dialogue between the young W.A. van Buren and the King of today. Hidden UV-ink details reveal additional layers of imagery under different light, a nod to the security techniques Royal Joh. Enschedé has refined over more than three centuries.
The note was designed by Buro Bend [https://www.burobend.nl/], with Royal Joh. Enschedé responsible for all banknote printing and technical execution. The front carries a portrait of a young Willem-Alexander during the 1986 tour, set against the Frisian province flag and subtle references to Dokkum, the city where the tour historically turns. The reverse traces the full Elfstedentocht route through Friesland, with a visual dialogue between the young W.A. van Buren and the King of today. Hidden UV-ink details reveal additional layers of imagery under different light, a nod to the security techniques Royal Joh. Enschedé has refined over more than three centuries.
Intaglio printing gives the note a tactile depth that sets it apart from conventional collectibles. It is the same technique used in the world’s most trusted documents, applied here to a story worth preserving.
The first edition is limited to 1,986 pieces (a reference to the year of the tour) and is priced at €59,00, reflecting the age the King turns in 2026.
The note is available at http.wavanburen.nl.
Packaging development and printing by Speciaaldrukkerij Douma (https://drukkerijdouma.nl/)
