Belgium 1869 franc
This specimen was lot 1463 in Jean Elsen sale 164 (Brussels, March 2026), where it sold for €360 (about US$501 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold II (1865-1909), AR 1 franc, 1869. Rare. Superbe. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold II, 1865-1909, silver one franc of 1869. Rare, Extremely Fine.)"
This type was struck 1866-69 and 1881 and 1886 in substantial numbers. 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: 1,393,608, a tough date despite the large mintage.
Specification: 5 g, 0.835 fine silver, 23 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 28.1, Dupriez 1107.
- 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 164: Monnaies du duché de Brabant et du royaume de Belgique, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
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