munt

Munt is a Dutch word with two primary meanings that are conceptually distinct but share a common root in everyday language. The first meaning is the herb mint, a member of the Mentha genus used for flavoring, fragrance, and traditional remedies. The second meaning refers to coins and the production of currency, including the place where coins are minted and the act of minting.

Mint as the herb refers to a group of aromatic perennials known for square stems and opposite leaves. The most common cultivated species are spearmint (Mentha spicata) and peppermint (Mentha × piperita). Mint thrives in moist soil and partial shade and is widely grown in gardens around the world. Leaves can be used fresh or dried in cooking, beverages, and teas, and the essential oils extracted from mint convey its characteristic scent and flavor. Mint holds cultural significance in many cuisines and is also used in traditional medicine and aromatherapy.

Coins and minting use munt as a general term for currency and for the coin itself. The corresponding compound muntstuk refers to a physical coin, while muntwaarde denotes its monetary value. In the Netherlands, the Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt (Royal Dutch Mint) is the official facility responsible for producing the country’s euro coins. Beyond modern contexts, munt appears in historical discussions of coin production in Dutch-speaking regions and in everyday references to money.