Belgian Congo 1929 frank
This specimen was lot 2071 in Jean Elsen sale 145 (Brussels, September 2020), where it sold for €110 (about US$157 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"CONGO BELGE, Albert Ier (1909-1934), Cupro-nickel 1 franc, 1929NL. Fleur de Coin. (Belgian Congo, Albert I, 1909-34, copper nickel one franc of 1929, Dutch legends. Uncirculated.)"
In 1908, after an international outcry, king Leopold II was forced to surrender his personal domain in the Congo to the Belgian government, which curbed the worst abuses of forced labor and slavery. This issue of 1920-30 was struck with French (KM 20) and Flemish legends (shown here) to appease political sentiment in Belgium though few in the Congo can have heard of Flanders or cared what language the natives spoke.
Reported Mintage: 4,250,000, a common date.
Specification: 10 g, copper-nickel, 28.8 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 21, Dupriez 266.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 145, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
Link to: