Queen - regent - mother Emma

She performed this task more than excellently until the inauguration of Queen Wilhelmina on September 6, 1898. Queen Emma lives on primarily as the mother of Wilhelmina and as Queen Regent who did the honors for her daughter from 1890 to 1898. During that time she managed to completely change the image of the royal family as it was perceived by the Dutch population. By her amiable and wise actions she managed to win everyone's heart. Thus she later spoke the historic words in 1929 when her fiftieth anniversary of her Dutch citizenship was celebrated;

'Those who think of themselves as the center... can never be happy. As in a marriage. The main thing is not: to become happy, but to make happy'

Together with her daughter Wilhelmina, she traveled town and country to introduce the population to the future monarch. The many visits around the country and her daughter's well-directed presentation renewed confidence in the monarchy, which, due to the willful and capricious actions of
William III had suffered severely.

When it became clear that King William III did not have long to live , measures became necessary to ensure a smooth succession. Queen Emma , King William III's second wife , was officially appointed guardian of her minor daughter and crown heir Wilhelmina and when the king died on Nov. 23, 1890 , Emma became queen - regent . However important , in the eyes of her contemporaries she held a secondary function and it was unthinkable that her effigy should appear in any way on the Kingdom coins would be depicted.

That position was reserved for Princess Wilhelmina. So although Emma actually reigned as queen from 1890 to 1898 , she does not appear on coins. Unlike her daughter, of whom many designs were created, which are still collected by collectors today. Click here for our selection of Wilhelmina coins. However, Emma did later get a place on 2 banknotes. Emma was depicted on the 10 and 20 guilder bill of 1940. Both bills contained the 2 signatures of Westerman Holstijn and Trip. See bills below:

 
Click here to learn more about the 10 guilder bill with Emma.

Click here to learn more about the 20 Guilder bill featuring Emma.

Emma is put on the Dutch paper money portrayed in a subdued manner of about 70 -year-old. She is adorned with her characteristic white widow's cap and ever-present glasses. There are also several old and modern medals on which the image of Emma is depicted. The sober reverse with her crowned initials , name , birth and year of death on these medals emphasize the character of this woman who played a crucial role in the survival of the House of Orange - Nassau that owes her a lot!