Aruba and Aruban Coins

A-Z Countries Index A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

We want to buy Aruban Coins

Early History
Aruba was originally colonised by the Arawaks. Unlike most other islands in the Caribbean, the Arawaks managed to successfully avoid being displaced by the war-like rival Carib tribes, and lived here until European colonisation, which eventually wiped out the Arawak inhabitants through a combination of disease, war and inter-marriage.

Colonial History
In 1632, Aruba was colonised by the Dutch. During the Napoleonic Wars, Britain seized the island, before finally handing it back to the Dutch in 1816. As the local climate was not well suited to plantation crops (such as cotton, sugar, tobacco etc) Aruba did not import slaves in large quantities as many other Caribbean islands did. However, mineral discoveries allowed Aruba to develop a successful economy based on mining.
Oil discoveries in the early 20th Century led to the development of the oil industry there, and the island and its refineries became an important source of fuel for the allies during World War II. Aruba was once again occupied by the British during World War II when Holland was invaded and occupied by the Nazis, before Britain once again relinquished control back to the Dutch.

Post War
The end of World War II saw a decline in the importance of oil to the Aruban economy. However, tourism started to gain in importance and eventually became the island’s most important industry. In 1986, the island was divorced from the Netherlands Antilles and became a separate colony in its own right.
Today, the people of Aruba enjoy Dutch citizenship, but immigration to this prosperous island from the rest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is restricted, and other Dutch citizens do not enjoy the same rights of freedom to live and work in the island.

Aruban Coins
Until 1986, Aruba used the Netherland Antilles Guilder. It was then replaced by the Aruban Florin at par. Coins struck included the 5, 10, 25 and 50 Cent, in addition to the 1 and 2.5 Florin. The 2.5 Florin has since been discontinued and the 5 Florin coin was introduced. Originally a square coin, the 5 is now issued as a round coin. The 50 cent coin is still square, and is colloquially known as a ‘yotin’.

For Sale and Wanted
If you are interested in coins from Aruba please see our product index:-
Aruban Coins

Gold Coins
We also have gold coins from Aruba on our taxfreegold website:-
Aruban Gold Coins