Belgium 1838 5 francs
The first specimen was lot 739 in Jean Elsen sale 141 (Brussels, June 2019), where it sold for €2,000 (about US$2,651 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), AR 5 francs, 1838. Pos. A. Très rare. presque Très Beau. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, 1831-65, silver five francs of 1838, position A. Very rare, about Very Fine.)"
The second specimen was lot 740 in Jean Elsen sale 141 (Brussels, June 2019), where it sold for €17,000 (about US$22,530 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), AR 5 francs, 1838. Pos. B. Extrêmement rare Frappe d'épreuve sur flan épais. Fines griffes et traces d'ajustage. Flan poli. Fleur de Coin. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, 1831-65, silver five francs of 1838, position B. Extremely rare, proof, fine scratches and adjustment marks, Uncirculated.)"
This type was struck 1832-44 and was the first Belgian five francs issued after obtaining independence from the Netherlands in 1830. As this type comes with a lettered edge, the edge lettering comes in two positions; position A has the lettering facing the reverse and position B has the lettering facing the obverse. This is a very rare date along with 1840-41.
Recorded mintage: 5,203.
Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver, .723 troy oz ASW, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: KM 3.1, Bogaert 153A, Dupriez 152, Dav-50.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 141, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2019.
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