This a very rare 1941 Netherlands 10 Cent Zinc Pattern. It includes an original 1951 Rijks Munt letter from the Mint Master, Dr. J.W.A. van Hengel. Struck during the German occupation from 1940-1945, this 1941 zinc pattern weighs 3.3 grams and has a diameter of 22 mm. It is rated in Schulman's book as RR (very rare) and given the reference number 1043. It was authenticated and certified by NGC AU Detail - Environmental Damage due to being improperly stored over the decades.

These rare zinc patterns were minted at the Rijks Munt in 1941 but the design was rejected and they did not become legal tender under the Mint Act. The obverse of the pattern has a completely different design than the adopted design for circulation. The reverse design is the same as the regular minted coin for circulation. Production was halted due to the fact that the obverse design was not a Germanic symbol. These patterns were destroyed and melted but a few of these zinc patterns escaped the mint.

Coincidentally, the 2½ Cent and 1 Cent were also rejected because they had a central hole and were replaced with coins without a hole. A 1941 Netherlands 2½ Cent zinc pattern sold in a November 2024 Heritage Auction for $6,000 (lot #30203).

Translation: In response to your letter of the 16th of this month, I inform you that the depicted dime is not, in fact, a coin, as the image on one side (a three-crowned tree) does not conform to the description given in the law. These coins were produced in 1941 during the German occupation, but were rejected and destroyed before entering circulation. However, some coins appear to have entered circulation irregularly. The coin is therefore to be considered a curiosity. The firm of J. Schulman, Keizersgracht 448, Amsterdam, will be able to inform you regarding its value. Sincerely, 's Rijks Mint Master: (Dr J.W.A. van Hengel)

A similar Netherlands Zinc Pattern sold in a November 2024 Heritage Auction for $6,000 (lot #30203).