Belgium 1858 20 centimes
The first specimen was lot 700 in Jean Elsen list 269 (Brussels, July-August 2014), where it was offered for €1,000 (about US$1,361). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), AR 20 centimes, 1858, Provient de notre vente 97, 13 septembre 2008, 885. Rare. Avec trace du droit incuse au revers. Belle patine. Fleur de Coin (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I (1831-65), silver twenty centimes of 1858, from Jean Elsen sale 97, lot 885. Rare, faint die clash on reverse, nice toning, uncirculated.)"
The second specimen was lot 1310 in Jean Elsen sale 156 (Brussels, September 2023), where it sold for €1,300 (about US$1,668 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[2] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), AR 20 centimes, 1858. L.W. avec points. Dupriez 601. Rare. Belle patine. Fleur de Coin. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, 1831-65, silver twenty centimes of 1858, engraver's initials with dots. Rare, beautiful patina, Uncirculated.)"
This type was issued 1852-53 and 1858 of which this is the key date. France also experimented with a silver twenty centimes with equal lack of success. Belgium tried again in 1860-61 with a copper-nickel type (KM 20).
Recorded mintage: 865,000.
Specification: 1 g, 0.900 fine silver, .028 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM 19, Dupriez, 601.
- Bruce, Colin R., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 5th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2006.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Liste 269: Juillet-Septembre 2014, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2014.
- [2]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 156, Collection de Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
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