Belgium 1867 5 francs
The first specimen was lot 882 in Jean Elsen sale 141 (Brussels, June 2019), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold II (1865-1909), AR 5 francs, 1867. F. avec point. Nettoyé. Très Beau à Superbe. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold II, 1865-1909, silver five francs of 1867, F with dot. Cleaned, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
The second specimen was lot 1833 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €1,100 (about US$1,525 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[2] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold II (1865-1909), AR 5 francs, 1867. F. avec point. Grande tête et signature le long du cou. Rare. Nettoyé. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold II, 1865-1909, silver five francs of 1867, large head and signature next to neck. Rare, cleaned, Fine - 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 very rare. 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.
Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver, .723 troy oz ASW, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: KM 24, Bogaert 1074B. Dav-53.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 141, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2019.
- [2]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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