Description

Wilhelmina (Wilhelmina Helena Pauline Maria; 1880–1962) was Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 1890 until her abdication in 1948.

She became queen when her father died, when she was 10 years old. As she was still a minor, her mother served as regent until Wilhelmina became 18 years old. She reigned for nearly 58 years, longer than any other Dutch monarch. Her reign saw World War I and World War II, the economic crisis of 1933, and the decline of the Netherlands as a major colonial power. Outside the Netherlands she is primarily remembered for her role in World War II, in which she proved to be a great inspiration to the Dutch resistance.

For coins dated 1943, see Curacao KM # 40.