Belgium 1930 10 centimes
This specimen was lot 903 in Jean Elsen sale 141 (Brussels, June 2019), where it sold for €110 (about US$146 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Albert Ier (1909-1934), Cupro-nickel 10 centimes, 1930FR. Etoile sur une pointe. Deux traits sous Ces. Rare Petites taches. Très Beau. (kingdom of Belgium, Albert I, 1909-34, copper-nickel ten centimes of 1930, French legends, star, two dashes under "Ces". Rare, minor nicks, Very Fine.)"
The second specimen was lot 1371 in Jean Elsen sale 147 (Brussels, June 2021), where it sold for €150 (about US$219 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[2] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Albert Ier (1909-1934), Cupro-nickel 10 centimes, 1930Fr-Etoile sur une pointe. Deux traits sous Ces. Rare. Très Beau. (kingdom of Belgium, Albert I, 1909-34, copper-nickel ten centimes of 1930, French legends. Star over a dot, two lines under the "Ces". Rare, Very Fine.)"
This denomination was first struck in 1832 as a large copper coin. It was converted to copper-nickel in 1861 and struck intermittently until 1901. In 1901, it was redesigned and a central hole added and struck in that form until 1930. This example is from the first year it was issued in nickel-brass. The version with Dutch legends is common while this one is rare. During the Nazi occupation, this denomination was issued in zinc, after which it was terminated, inflation having rendered it worthless.
Recorded mintage: 2,000,000 plus 1,581,000 with Dutch legends.
Specification: 4 g, nickel-brass, 22 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 95.1, Dupriez 2411.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 141, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2019.
- [2]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 147: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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