Belgium 1856 5 centimes KM-X5
This specimen was lot 1498 in Jean Elsen sale 160 (Brussels, November 2024), where it sold for €280 (about US$355 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), Cu module de 5 centimes, 1856 NL. Verjaerdag van inhulding (sic). Cuivre. Petits coups au revers. Superbe à Fleur de Coin. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, copper medal of five centimes module of 1856, 25th anniversary of reign. Minor nicks on the reverse, extremely fine to Uncirculated.)"
The second specimen was lot 1406 in Jean Elsen sale 164 (Brussels, March 2026), where it did not sell. The catalog description[2] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), Cu module de 5 centimes, 1856 NL. Verjaerdag van inhulding (sic). Cuivre. Superbe à Fleur de Coin. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, 1831-65, copper medal in the module of a five centimes of 1856, for the 25th annversary of the coronation of Leopold I, Extremely Fine - Uncirculated.)"
A silver two francs 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. Restrikes exist.
Recorded mintage: 3,000 in copper plus 1,160 in bronze.
Specification: 10 g, copper, 28 mm diameter, plain edge.
Catalog reference: KM X5, Dupriez 585.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Unusual World Coins, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011..
- [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.
- [2]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 164: Monnaies du duché de Brabant et du royaume de Belgique, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
Link to:
- 1855 5 centimes
- 1856 centime
- 1856 5 centimes, 25th anniversary of the reign, French legends
- 1856 5 centimes, regular issue
- 1856 2 francs, 25th anniversary of the reign, French legends
- 1856 2 frank, 25th anniversary of the reign, Flemish legends
- 1856 40 francs, 25th anniversary of Leopold's reign, French legends
- 1857 5 centimes
- Coins and currency dated 1856