TCV Roundtable Blog

100 Greatest Women On Coins Series: Queen Isabella II

This series has had us talking about and learning about some incredible women. Whether allegorical or real, their impact on the world, history, and ultimately numismatics has been undeniable. We continue the series today with a woman not only of her time, but one who partook in a royal first for the ages. With help from author Ron Guth, we will look closer at her reign and the influence she had for years afterwards.

#35 – Queen Isabella II

Born in 1830 in Madrid, Isabella was the daughter of King Ferdinand VIII and his fourth wife, Maria Cristina. While he was hoping to produce an heir, Maria only had daughters, which put Carlos, Ferdinand’s younger brother, next in line for the throne. In 1830, however, all of that changed when the king himself changed the law to allow sons or daughters to succeed him. With this change, Isabella would become queen at the age of just three when her father died in 1833. Her mother, Maria, acted as regent. Carlos would challenge the succession of Isabella and would...read more