Belgium 1841 40 francs
This specimen is lot 801 on Jean Elsen price list 250 (Brussels, Oct/Dec 2009), where it was offered at €20,000 (about US$29,600). The catalog description noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), AV 40 francs, 1841, Pos. B. Lettres inclinées à g. Provient de nos ventes 7, 21 avril 1987, 806, et 59, 18-21 septembre 1999, 2102. De la plus haute rareté. Superbe" (Belgium, kingdom, Leopold I (1831-65), gold 40 francs, 1841, position B, letters inclined to left. From Jean Elsen sale 7, April 1987, lot 806, and Jean Elsen sale 59, September 1999, lot 2102. Of the highest rarity, extremely fine.)
This type was struck 1834-41 but all the dates are rare. The specification matches the French forty francs of Louis Philippe.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 12.90 g, 0.900 fine gold, .373 troy oz AGW, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: Dupriez, 173; Fr-2, KM B23.1.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
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