Belgium 1871 20 francs
This specimen was lot 2001 in Jean Elsen sale 145 (Brussels, September 2020), where it sold for €300 (about US$428 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold II (1865-1909), AV 20 francs, 1871. Type IV. Très Beau. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold II, 1865-1909, gold twenty francs of 1871, type IV. Very Fine.)"
This coin, one of a type struck 1870-82 during the reign of Leopold III of Belgium (1865-1909), corresponds in weight and fineness to the contemporary French twenty francs. Position "A" and position "B" varieties exist, with a slight premium going to position "B" (edge lettering facing the obverse).
Reported Mintage: 2,259,000.
Specification: 6.45 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: KM 37, Dupriez 1129; Bogaert 1129B.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 145, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
Link to: