Belgium 1864 5 centimes
This specimen was lot 1327 in Jean Elsen sale 156 (Brussels, September 2023), where it sold for €130 (about US$167 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), Cupro-nickel 5 centimes, 1864. Fleur de Coin. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, 1831-65, copper-nickel five centimes of 1864. Uncirculated.)"
This type of 1861-64 superseded the copper five centimes that had been struck since independence in the 1830's. Copper-nickel as a coinage alloy matured and became very popular in the 1860's and drove out the last of the billon coinage.
Recorded mintage: 2,513,000, the scarcest date.
Specification: 2.95 g, copper-nickel, 19.5 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 21, Dupriez 916.
- 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 156, Collection de Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
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