A rare Dutch coin, the 1891 25-cent silver piece featuring a portrait of a young Queen Wilhelmina, has made headlines after selling for an astonishing €1 million at auction.
A rare Dutch coin, featuring a portrait of a young Queen Wilhelmina, has sold for an astonishing €1 million at auction, setting a new record for a Dutch coin sold at auction. The 1891 25-cent silver piece is one of only two ever minted, with the other safely housed in the collection of the Dutch National Bank.
The coin, also known as a kwartje, weighs only 3.5 grams and is made of silver. It features a design of a young Queen Wilhelmina on one side and the Dutch coat of arms on the other. Queen Wilhelmina reigned over the Netherlands for more than 50 years, from 1890 to 1948, making her image on such a rare coin even more coveted by collectors.
The auction, organized by Heritage Auctions Europe, saw fierce competition among collectors. Starting at €300,000, the bidding rapidly escalated, reaching €850,000 within minutes. The final sale price, including auction fees, totaled an eye-watering €1,045,502, smashing the previous coin auction record held by a double gold ducat from 1867, which had sold for €200,000.
"In all the over 100 auctions I have presided over, I have never been so nervous. My hands were clammy," said Jacco Schepers, director of Heritage Auctions Europe, describing the experience. The rapid escalation of bids reflected the high demand for this unique coin, a true “holy grail” for collectors.
The coin's history spans over a century, with only four owners in 133 years. The last time it was auctioned, in 2001, it fetched just 81,000 guilders (around €37,000). Among its former owners are notable collectors such as Virgil Brand, an American coin collector, and Philip Ferrari de Renotière, a renowned rare coin and stamp enthusiast. Despite its high profile, the current owner remains unknown.
Several factors contribute to the extraordinary value of this 1891 Dutch quarter. First and foremost is its rarity. With only two coins minted and one already in a national collection, the chances of acquiring another are slim. Collectors interested in completing their Wilhelmina coin series are left with no choice but to pursue this piece, and the scarcity drives its price skyward.
Moreover, the coin's historical connection to Queen Wilhelmina and its relatively small size and weight make it even more fascinating. Numismatic experts agree that this sale might be a once-in-a-lifetime event, with Schepers stating, "It could be another 50 years before it happens again, if ever."
The record-breaking sale serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of rare coins in the world of numismatics. Coins like this one hold intrinsic value not only because of their metal content but also due to their rarity, history, and cultural significance. As interest in coin collecting continues to grow, the auction world will likely see more such thrilling sales in the future.
