Netherlands – Wilhelmina – 2½ Gulden 1898 – Schulman 782 Silver 2½ gulden issued in 1898 during the reign of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. Obverse Bare-headed portrait of the young Queen Wilhelmina facing left, her hair raised and gathered at the back. The modeller’s signature P. PANDER appears below the truncation of the bust. Legend: WILHELMINA KONINGIN DER NEDERLANDEN Translation: “Wilhelmina, Queen of the Netherlands.” Reverse The crowned national coat of arms of the Netherlands, showing the Dutch lion holding a sword and a bundle of seven arrows. The denomination is divided across the field, with 2½ to the left and G to the right. Legend: MUNT VAN HET KONINGRIJK DER NEDERLANDEN Translation: “Coin of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.” The date 1898 appears above the crown. Specifications Country: Netherlands Ruler: Queen Wilhelmina Denomination: 2½ Gulden Date: 1898 Material: Silver Modeller: Pier Pander Reference: Schulman 782; KM 123 Historical context Wilhelmina became Queen of the Netherlands in 1890 following the death of her father, King William III. As she was only ten years old, her mother, Queen Emma, served as regent during her minority. In 1898 Wilhelmina reached the age at which she could personally assume her constitutional duties. Her inauguration took place on 6 September 1898 in the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam. This coin was therefore issued in the year in which her personal reign formally began. The youthful portrait was modelled by the Dutch sculptor Pier Pander, whose name appears beneath the bust. The design presents Wilhelmina as a young queen at the beginning of what would become a reign lasting until her abdication in 1948. Please examine the photographs carefully for the condition and appearance of the coin. Special offer for this Live Auction: all shipments within the Netherlands are free of charge.