Belgium 1843 franc
This specimen was lot 1456 in Jean Elsen sale 160 (Brussels, November 2024), where it sold for €1,100 (about US$1,393 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), AR 1 franc, 1843. Extrêmement rare. L'état d'usure de cette pièce démontre que Bogaert a raison quand il dit que les pièces d'un franc de 1843 ont été mises en circulation, contrairement à ce que pensait Dupriez. Beau à Très Beau. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, silver one franc of 1843. Extremely rare. The wear on this piece demonstrated to Bogaert that this date actually circulated, contrary to the opinion of Dupriez. Fine to very fine.)"
This type was struck 1833-35 and 1838-44 to the module of a French one franc. All the dates are scarce except for the 1844.
Recorded mintage: unknown but scarce.
Specification: 5 g, 0.900 fine silver, 23 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 7.1, Dupriez 200.
- 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 160, Collection de deniers liegeois et Collection de monnaies d'or francaises, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
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