Belgium 1909 franc
This specimen was lot 74531 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice Online Auction (Costa Mesa, CA, October 2024), where it sold for $125. The catalog description[1] noted, "BELGIUM. Franc, 1909. Brussels Mint. Leopold II. PCGS MS-65. 'BELGES' Variety. This charming little GEM exhibits boldly struck design features with light attractive tone." This type was struck 1904 and 1909 with Walloons (dialect of French) and Flemish (dialect of Dutch) legends. A variety exists (KM 56.2) without the dot in the engraver's signature. Restrikes exist with a plain edge. Belgium was thoroughly devastated during World War One and its silver coinage was terminated.
Recorded mintage: 2,250,000 plus 2,250,000 with Flemish legends (KM 57).
Specification: 5 g, 0.835 fine silver, 23 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM-56.1.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, October 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the S.P. Rutherford Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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