2016-12-13 Tue

Queen Isabella I (22 April 1451 – 26 November 1504) was the daughter of John II of Castile and Isabella of Portugal. Her marriage to Ferdinand II of Aragon brought political unification of Spain under their grandson, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

She, along with Ferdinand is credited for supporting and financing Christopher Columbus’ 1492 voyage that led to the establishment of the New World. The discovery of America led to the establishment of Spain as the first global power in Europe.

In the Castilian chronicles of the time, her beauty is portrayed in glowing words. They praise her figure, straight as a palm; her complexion pale, but flushed by the slightest emotion like jasmine mingled with the wild rose; her eyes blue as sapphires; her hair a reddish chestnut and her serene expression typical of her pure and gentle spirit.

Her predecessor and brother, Henry IV had left the state in ruins. With his death on 11th December 1474, Isabella proclaimed herself Queen of Castile two days later, 13th December, 1474.

She was the first women ever to be featured on a United States postage stamp. United States issued a 4 USD commemorative stamp on January 1, 1893. Only 30,000 stamps were printed and mint specimens of this have been sold for more than 20,000 USD. She was also the first woman to appear on a United States coin.