Child Aid Chess Stars 2004 – Signed 55/200 – Kasparov, Karpov, Polgar Add to Watch List Watching View Watchlist >

Child Aid Chess Stars 2004 – Limited Signed Certificate 55/200 – Kasparov, Karpov, Judit Polgar – ONJK / Royal Dutch Mint

Size: 34.5 x 43 cm.

Rare original framed “Child Aid Chess Stars” commemorative certificate from 2004, numbered 55/200, personally signed by Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov and Judit Polgar, together with several other people connected with the project and Dutch chess.

This special commemorative issue was produced in connection with the Open Dutch Youth Chess Championships (ONJK) in Hengelo, the Netherlands, in 2004, and with the charitable project “Child Aid Chess Stars”.

The project supported Stichting Europa Kinderhulp, an organisation arranging holidays in the Netherlands for disadvantaged children. According to the certificate, on 20 April 2004 at the Royal Dutch Mint (Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt) in Utrecht, the first gold chess ducat connected with the project was struck. The ceremonial first strike was performed by Azra Akin, Miss World 2002, and Dutch grandmaster Jan Timman.

On 14 August 2004, during the Open Dutch Youth Chess Championships in Hengelo, cupro-nickel replicas based on the gold issue were presented to the participants.

The framed presentation offered here contains a commemorative chess medal featuring Jan Timman, incorporated into the specially designed original certificate.

Original signatures
The certificate bears original handwritten signatures, including those of:

• Garry Kasparov – 13th World Chess Champion
• Anatoly Karpov – 12th World Chess Champion
• Judit Polgar – one of the strongest female chess players in history
• Albert Vasse – involved with Stichting Caïssa and a prominent figure in Dutch chess
• Maarten Brouwer – Royal Dutch Mint

The certificate also carries signatures of other representatives connected with Stichting Europa Kinderhulp, Stichting Caïssa, the Royal Dutch Chess Federation and the organising foundations.

The signatures are original handwritten signatures and not printed facsimiles.

The combination of Kasparov, Karpov and Judit Polgar on a single officially produced and numbered chess commemorative item is particularly attractive. Kasparov and Karpov were the protagonists of one of the greatest rivalries in chess history, while Polgar occupies a unique position in modern chess history.

Limited edition
The framed piece is individually numbered 55/200 in pencil below the certificate. It is presented in its original substantial wooden frame with passe-partout and gold-coloured inner border. The certificate, commemorative medal and signatures have remained together as one complete presentation.

Exceptional provenance
This example comes from the original remaining stock associated with the ONJK 2004–2005.

The collection was preserved in the estate of Albert Vasse, co-founder and former director of DGT (Digital Game Technology), internationally known for the development of digital chess clocks and electronic chess boards. Vasse was also an international arbiter and was active within the Dutch chess community.

After Albert Vasse’s death, the remaining ONJK stock passed through Schaakbond Overijssel, from whom the present owner acquired the collection directly in 2026.

Correspondence documenting this provenance is retained by the owner.

This direct chain of provenance is particularly noteworthy because Albert Vasse himself is named on the certificate as one of the people involved with the project.

Condition
Very good overall condition considering its age. The certificate and signatures present well behind glass. The original wooden frame shows only normal minor signs of age/storage. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

A highly unusual piece of modern chess memorabilia combining the signatures of Kasparov, Karpov and Judit Polgar, Dutch chess history, the Royal Dutch Mint and documented provenance from the estate of Albert Vasse.

The item will be carefully packed for shipment. Because of the size and glass frame, collection or insured shipping can be discussed with the buyer.