Belgium 1866 5 francs
This specimen was lot 1734 in Jean Elsen sale 103 (Brussels, December 2009), where it sold for €260. The catalog description[1] noted, "BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold II (1865-1909), AR 5 francs, 1866, F avec point. Rare. Beau à Très Beau" (Kingdom of Belgium, Leopold II (1865-1909), silver 5 francs, 1866, F with point. Rare, Fine to Very Fine). This type was struck 1865-78 in large numbers and is the commonest silver coin from Belgium of the reign. The first two years, 1865 and 1866 are very rare and priced accordingly. There is another variety with the engraver's name positioned away from the rim (KM 25) which is even rarer. Leopold II was hailed at the beginning of his reign as an enlightened, constitutional monarch, and later vilified for his activities in the Congo Free State.
Recorded mintage: 3,693,000 for 1865-67 (of which nearly all were 1867).
Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver, .723 troy oz ASW, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: Bogaert 1005B, KM 24, Dav-53.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, Vente Publique 103, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, s.a, 2009.
Link to:
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- 1866 franc
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- 1867 10 francs
- 1867 5 francs
- Coins and currency dated 1866
- return to coins of Belgium