Prince Mihailo Obrenović III

Prince Mihailo Obrenović III (16 September 1823 – 10 June 1868) was the ruler of Serbia from 1839 to 1842 and again from 1860 to 1868. His first and second reigns came to an end when he was overthrown in 1842 and 1868, respectively. As one of the absolute enlightened monarchs of Europe, he is regarded as a brilliant reformer and the most enlightened leader of contemporary Serbia. In opposition to the Ottoman Empire, he promoted the idea of a Balkan federation.

Having been born in late 1823 and proclaimed prince on June 25, 1839, Mihailo ascended to the throne as a minor. The next year, he was proclaimed to be of legal age. Few thrones seemed more safe, and if it weren't for his lack of drive and disregard for political developments, his power may have lasted the rest of his life. Due to his inexperience, he struggled to handle the difficulties Serbia encountered during his first term. After spending 18 years in exile, Mihailo was welcomed back as Prince of Serbia in September 1860 following the passing of his father, who had reclaimed the throne in 1858. He governed as an enlightened absolute king for the following eight years. The first modern Serbian coins were produced during his leadership. He was also the first modern Serbian leader to formally name Belgrade as the nation's capital as well as one of the most important historical figures in Serbia.