Belgium 1856 2 frank
This specimen was lot 1304 in Jean Elsen sale 156 (Brussels, September 2023), where it sold for €2,400 (about US$3,079 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), AR module de 2 frank, 1856 NL. Verjaerdag van inhulding (sic). Très rare. Belle patine. Superbe à Fleur de Coin. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, 1831-65, silver medal of two franc size of 1856, 25th anniversary of the reign. Very rare, nice patina, Extremely Fine - Uncirculated.)"
A copper five centimes and gold forty francs were issued on this occasion using this design, some with Flemish legends and some with French legends. All are consigned to the Unusual World Coins as medallic coinage. No two francs of the circulating type were struck in 1856. Restrikes exist in medal and coin alignment.
Recorded mintage: 1,898.
Specification: 10 g, 0.835 fine silver, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM X7.1 (coin alignment), KM X7.2 (medal alignment), Dupriez 579.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Unusual World Coins, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 156, Collection de Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
Link to:
- 1856 centime
- 1856 5 centimes, 25th anniversary of the reign, French legends
- 1856 5 centimes, 25th anniversary of the reign, Flemish legends
- 1856 5 centimes, regular issue
- 1856 2 francs, 25th anniversary of the reign, French legends
- 1856 40 francs, 25th anniversary of Leopold's reign, French legends
- Coins and currency dated 1856