AMSTERDAM: The finance ministry has decided to sell off the royal mint, where Dutch euro coins are made, sources have told broadcaster RTLZ.
RTLZ says the ministry has been in talks with a number of possible buyers, including foreign mints, investors and metal processing companies. The Dutch mint was established in 1567. In addition to euro coins, the mint also produces special coins for collectors and has some smaller currency orders.
However, it has been struggling financially for several years. The mint itself said in a statement that it is in the process of a ‘major reorganisation’ and that this is of ‘great importance for the future of the company’.
‘Various options are possible and the cabinet will soon take a decision,’ the statement said. Socialist MP Arnold Merkies told RTL news the sale would be a mistake. ‘Minting coins is a typical government job,’ he said. ‘This fits in with the government’s strategy of selling off more and more government jobs.’
