Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 5 Francs 1999, Congo, Democratic Republic, Royal Families Of Europe, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands
  • 5 Francs 1999, Congo, Democratic Republic, Royal Families Of Europe, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands
Description

Europe has 12 monarchies, including the unique systems of the Vatican and Andorra. Due to historical intermarriage, all of Europe’s reigning monarchs are related. Since WWII, all hereditary European monarchs have descended from a single common ancestor: John William Friso, Prince of Orange, who died in 1711.

Two German noble families, the Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburgs and the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, are particularly prominent in European royal bloodlines. The British royal family, originally the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, changed its name to Windsor in 1917 when King George V adopted a more British-sounding name to counter anti-German sentiment during WWI.

Obverse

Depicts an official emblem of the Laurent Kabila regime: a gilede head of male snarling lion, symbolizing strength and authority. within gilded circle with the country’s name in French dividing date, surrounding by the legend of bank above and denomination below dividing by two stars in each side.

Kabila’s regime, which began in 1997 after he overthrew Mobutu Sese Seko, was characterized by efforts to rebuild the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) after decades of dictatorship. His government sought to restore national sovereignty, but faced internal conflict and external pressures, particularly during the Second Congo War.

★ BANQUE CENTRALE ★
REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE
19 99
DU CONGO
★ 5 FRANCS ★

Reverse

Depicts a multicolored portrait of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, wearing a pink Bowler Fedora hat with a lesser version of the Netherlands emblem at right enclosed by the inscription above, her name and date as a queen below surrounded by the title of series in French.

Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, born on January 31, 1938, was Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 until her abdication in 2013. She is the daughter of Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard, and the mother of the current King Willem-Alexander. During her reign, Beatrix was known for her dedication to public service, diplomacy, and fostering unity within the country. She oversaw the modernization of the Dutch monarchy while maintaining strong ties with the people. After abdicating in favor of her son, she took the title of Princess Beatrix and continues to engage in royal duties and charity work.

MAISONS ROYALES D'EUROPE DES SIECLES DERNIERS
LA REINE DES PAYS-BAS
BEATRIX 1980

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Nickel Plated Brass
Weight 24.3 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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