Due to the Netherlands' accession to NATO in 1949, Dutch troops had to conduct exercises abroad. In 1951, when this occurred for the first time, foreign exchange regulations were still very strict. Each soldier was given 5 guilders in plastic money to use for purchases at the canteen while abroad. The coins could be exchanged after the exercises were over. This was almost entirely done, making them quite rare, especially the 5 guilder and 1 guilder coins. In 1952, 1953, and 1954, they were used again. As more soldiers participated in the exercises, a second issue was produced, but not for the 5 guilder and 1 guilder coins. These were replaced with paper money. Schulman 1600 - 1605