Belgium 1841 2 francs
This specimen was lot 1046 in Jean Elsen sale 111 (Brussels, December 2011), where it sold for 12,000 euro (about US$18,465 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), AR 2 francs, 1841, Pos. A. Lettres inclinées à g. De la plus haute rareté. Champs brillants. Fleur de Coin. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I (1831-65), silver two francs, position A, edge lettering inclined to left, of the highest rarity, brilliant fields, mint state.)"
This type was struck 1834-44. All the dates are scarce but this one is rare. The edge lettering is listed for "position A" (edge lettering faces the obverse) and "position B" (edge lettering faces the reverse) and "edge lettering inclined to left" (KM 9.1, shown here) and "edge lettering inclined to right" (KM 9.2). We have combined the varieties into one page as they are indistinguishable from photos.
Recorded mintage: unknown but rare.
Specification: 10 g, 0.900 fine silver, .289 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: Dupriez-176, KM 9.1.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, Vente Publique 111, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses fils, S.A., 2011.
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