Obverse. Photo © The Coinhouse Auctions
  • 5 Francs 1999, Congo, Democratic Republic, Royal Families Of Europe, Queen Paola of Belgium
  • 5 Francs 1999, Congo, Democratic Republic, Royal Families Of Europe, Queen Paola of Belgium
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 the official emblem of the Laurent Kabila regime: a gilded snarling lion's head, representing strength and authority, set within a circle. The country’s name is inscribed in French, along with the date. Above, the bank's legend is displayed, and below it is the denomination, flanked by two stars on 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 Paola of Belgium facing three-quarter left, Belgian Royal Crown left, emblem of Belgium in the background enclosed by the inscription above, her name and birth date below surrounded by the title of series in French.

Paola of Belgium (born Donna Paola Ruffo di Calabria on 11 September 1937) is the Italian-born wife of King Albert II of Belgium and served as Queen Consort from 1993 until Albert's abdication in 2013. Known for her elegance and charm, Paola brought a Mediterranean warmth to the Belgian monarchy. Although her early years in Belgium were marked by a struggle to adapt to royal duties and the challenges of public life, Paola later became a dedicated and beloved figure within the country. She focused on supporting cultural initiatives and advocating for children's welfare, education, and social causes, gaining respect and affection from the Belgian people. Paola and Albert have three children, including King Philippe, who succeeded Albert in 2013. Now holding the title of Queen Paola, she remains active in charity work and is cherished for her role in modernizing the Belgian monarchy and supporting a sense of unity among the people.

MAISONS ROYALES D'EUROPE DES SIECLES DERNIERS
LA REINE DES BELGES
PAOLA 1937

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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