Luxembourg Geocoin (2006)

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This 2006 Luxembourg Geocoin is being released into the wild, free to travel from cache to cache. This is the first geocoin to represent The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which is the only Grand Duchy (ruled by a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess) in the world today.

The front features the Red Lion from the Luxembourg Coat of Arms in the background, with the words "Roude Léiw huel se!" across the front. I am unable to find an exact translation of the phrase, other than Roude Léiw for Red Lion. In a reflection of the mixed culture and history of the country, the word Luxembourg is written four times around the outside edge of the coin: in English, French, German, and Luxembourgish. German, French, and Luxembourgish are the three official languages of the country, and each is used in different ways and situations. Luxembourgish (Lëtzebuergesch) is recognized as the national spoken language, but French and German are preferred for written words. French remains the official language used by the goverment and administration, while German is used by most media and churches.

In 1684, the French forces of King Louis XIV, led by Vauban, conquered the city of Luxembourg after a long siege. Vauban entirely redesigned and rebuilt the defenses around the city, and they were so strong and formidable that from the 18th Century on, Luxembourg came to be known as the "Gibraltar of the North". This is referenced around the outside ring on the back of the coin: Geocaching through the Gibraltar of the North.

Also on the back is a map of the country, with the national flag behind it. The phrase "Mir wölle bleiwe waat mir sin" translates to "We want to remain what we are". This is the Motto of Luxembourg, and is central to the cultural identity of the people's intensely independent nature.