In the world of rare coin collecting, certain coins stand out as treasures due to their scarcity and historical significance. One such coin is the rare Dutch 1891 25-cent coin, which made headlines recently when it sold for over €1 million ($1.13 million U.S.) at a Heritage auction in Europe. This remarkable coin, one of only two known examples, showcases the portrait of Queen Wilhelmina and has a unique backstory linked to Dutch history. This article delves into the story behind this extraordinary coin, the auction result, and its significance in the realm of numismatics.
The Importance of Rare Coins
Rare coins have long been highly sought after by collectors and investors alike. They represent not only a piece of history but also a form of art and craftsmanship that captures a specific moment in time. Some coins are rare due to limited minting, others because of historical events, and a select few because of their connection to notable figures. The Dutch 1891 25-cent coin is a prime example of such rarity, featuring Queen Wilhelmina as a young monarch. Coins like these often command high prices at auction, reflecting both their rarity and the passion of collectors.
The Rare 1891 Dutch 25-Cent Coin
Historical Background
The 1891 Dutch 25-cent coin is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ coinage. It was minted at a time of significant change in the Netherlands, following the death of King William III in 1890. After his passing, his daughter, the 10-year-old Princess Wilhelmina, ascended to the throne, and her mother, Queen Emma, served as regent. The coin was designed during this period, capturing the young queen’s image with long hair and a string of pearls, signifying her royal status.
Unique Features of the Coin
The 1891 25-cent coin is notable for its unique design and rarity. It features a portrait of Queen Wilhelmina on the obverse, her youthful image emphasizing her early reign. The reverse of the coin displays the denomination, date, and mint marks within an oak wreath, symbolizing strength and stability. One particularly rare aspect of this coin is its nickname, the “Long Hair” version, referencing Wilhelmina’s hairstyle at the time.
Auction Details: Breaking Records
The €1 Million Sale
On May 20, 2024, the Proof 1891 Queen Wilhelmina Long Hair silver 25-cent piece was auctioned off by Heritage Auctions Europe-Cooperatief. The coin, one of only two known to exist, exceeded all expectations by realizing a staggering €1,045,500 ($1,130,376 U.S.) including the 23% buyer’s fee. The coin quickly surpassed its pre-sale estimate of €300,000 to €400,000, with bids pouring in rapidly and reaching the final price in just two minutes.
Why This Coin is Special
This specific 1891 Dutch 25-cent coin is the only one in private hands, making it incredibly desirable for collectors. The other known example is part of the National Numismatic Collection at De Nederlandsche Bank, meaning that the opportunity to own this coin is exceedingly rare. According to Jacco Scheper, Managing Director of Heritage Auctions Europe, this coin represents the “Holy Grail” for collectors of Dutch coins, and its provenance only adds to its allure.
Provenance of the Coin
A Rich History of Ownership
The 1891 25-cent coin has passed through the hands of only four owners in the past century. It was once part of the prestigious Virgil Brand Collection, a famous assemblage of rare coins, which was sold by Sotheby’s in May 1984. Another notable owner was Mint Master H.L.A. van den Wall Bake, whose mint mark, a halberd, appears on the coin. This rich provenance further enhances the coin’s value and appeal among collectors.
The Story Behind the Coin’s Design
Commissioning the Coin
After the death of King William III in 1890, the Dutch government moved quickly to create new coinage featuring Queen Wilhelmina. In November 1890, the Board of the Mint received an order from the finance minister to begin the design process. By May 1891, sculptor Ludwig Jünger had completed a plaster model of the coin’s obverse, featuring the young queen’s portrait. This design, which includes Wilhelmina wearing a string of pearls, symbolized royal dignity and was approved by Queen Emma before the end of the year.
Crafting the Dies
Willem Jacobus Schammer, an assistant engraver at the Rijks Munt, was responsible for cutting the dies based on Jünger’s model. Schammer first worked on the dies for the gold 10-gulden coin and then proceeded to work on the smaller denominations, including the 25-cent coin. The design was completed in late 1891, although no gulden coins with the date 1891 were minted.
Significance in Numismatic
The Importance of Kingdom Coins
The 1891 25-cent coin holds a special place in the world of numismatics, particularly for collectors of Kingdom of the Netherlands coins. It is considered the pinnacle of “Kingdom coins,” and its rarity makes it highly coveted. Even King Farouk of Egypt, who was known for his vast collection of rare coins, was unable to obtain this coin. Its scarcity and connection to the young Queen Wilhelmina make it a standout piece in Dutch coinage history.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Coin Name | 1891 Dutch 25-Cent Coin |
Portrait | Queen Wilhelmina (Young, with long hair and pearls) |
Material | Silver |
Design | Obverse: Queen Wilhelmina; Reverse: Denomination within an oak wreath |
Year Minted | 1891 |
Rarity | Only 2 known examples (1 in private hands, 1 in National Numismatic Collection) |
Auction House | Heritage Auctions Europe-Cooperatief |
Auction Date | May 20, 2024 |
Auction Price | €1,045,500 ($1,130,376 U.S.) |
Estimated Pre-Sale Price | €300,000 – €400,000 |
Notable Previous Owners | Virgil Brand Collection, Mint Master H.L.A. van den Wall Bake |
Record-Breaking Sale | Most expensive Dutch coin sold at auction (previous record: €700,000) |
Nicknamed | “Long Hair” version |
Provenance | Passed through only 4 owners in the last century |
Record-Breaking Auction
The €1 million auction price of this coin set a new record for Dutch coins. The previous record was held by a circa 1600 gold rose noble coin, which sold for €700,000 ($757,190 U.S.) in 2021. In the context of Kingdom of the Netherlands coins, the highest price before this sale was €200,000 ($217,100 U.S.) for an 1867 gold double ducat, sold in 2023. The 1891 25-cent coin’s remarkable auction result demonstrates its significance in the world of rare coins.
Conclusion
The rare Dutch 1891 25-cent coin, featuring a young Queen Wilhelmina, has captured the attention of coin collectors worldwide with its unique design and historical significance. Its recent auction, which saw it sell for over €1 million, solidifies its status as a coveted and valuable piece of numismatic history. As the only known example in private hands, this coin represents the pinnacle of Dutch coin collecting, and its rich provenance only adds to its allure. For collectors and historians alike, this coin is more than just a piece of currency—it is a symbol of a pivotal moment in Dutch history and a testament to the enduring appeal of rare coins.
FAQs
1. Why is the 1891 Dutch 25-cent coin so valuable?
The 1891 Dutch 25-cent coin is incredibly valuable due to its rarity, historical significance, and unique design featuring a young Queen Wilhelmina. Only two examples of this coin are known to exist, with one being in a national collection and the other recently sold at auction for over €1 million.
2. Who designed the 1891 25-cent coin?
The 1891 25-cent coin was designed by sculptor Ludwig Jünger, who created a plaster model of Queen Wilhelmina. Assistant engraver Willem Jacobus Schammer then cut the dies based on this design.
3. Why is it called the “Long Hair” coin?
The coin is nicknamed the “Long Hair” coin because it features a portrait of Queen Wilhelmina with long hair, which was unusual for official portraits at the time. This hairstyle is one of the distinctive features of the coin.
4. What is the significance of Queen Wilhelmina on the coin?
Queen Wilhelmina was just 10 years old when she became queen after her father’s death in 1890. The coin’s design captures her youthful image, symbolizing her early reign and the new era of Dutch monarchy.
5. What makes this coin a record-breaking sale?
The coin set a new record for the most expensive Dutch coin ever sold at auction, reaching over €1 million. Its rarity, unique design, and historical significance contributed to its record-breaking price.