Belgium 1935 50 frank
This specimen was lot 1389 in Jean Elsen sale 147 (Brussels, June 2021), where it sold for €1,900 (about US$2,777 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold III (1934-1951), AR 50 frank, 1935NL. Pos. B. Frappe médaille. Exposition universelle - Centenaire des chemins de fer. Extrêmement rare Nettoyé. presque Superbe. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold III, 1934-51, silver fifty frank of 1935, Dutch legend, position B, medal rotation, for the Universal Exposition on the Centennial of the Railroad. Extremely rare, cleaned, about Extremely Fine.)"
This type was struck in 1935 to promote a trade fair in Brussels, ostensibly in honor of the centennial of the Belgian railroads. Most of the ones with Dutch legends have coin rotation but a few have medal rotation as shown here. A very rare 40 franc pattern exists with this design.
Recorded mintage: 140,000 including KM 107.1.
Specification: 22 g, 0.680 fine silver, 35 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 107.2 (medal rotation), Bogaert 2540B3.
- 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 147: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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