Belgian Congo 1909 20 centimes
This specimen was lot 1385 in Jean Elsen sale 144 (Brussels, March 2020), where it sold for €160 (about US$211 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"CONGO BELGE, Léopold II (1908-1909), Cupro-nickel 20 centimes, 1909. Fleur de Coin. (Belgian Congo, Leopold II, 1908-09, copper-nickel twenty centimes of 1909. Uncirculated.)"
The history of the Belgian Congo has long been unhappy. The region was claimed by Leopold III of Belgium in the 1880's as his private domain, ostensibly to end the slave trade which had long afflicted the area. Instead, he instituted a reign of terror as natives were massacred if they failed to yield their assigned quota of rubber and ivory. Finally, after a world outcry, the government of Belgium annexed the area in 1908 and ended the most abusive practices. Still, few wept when the colonizers withdrew in 1960. Violence and exploitation continue to this day, fulfilling white racists' worst stereotypes about "darkest Africa." This type was struck in 1909 only and is rather scarce. The twenty centimes was dropped after 1911.
Recorded mintage: 300,000.
Specification: copper-nickel.
Catalog reference: KM 14, Dupriez 140.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 144, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
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