Belgium 1944 franc

from the Stonecat Collection

This franc was struck for king Leopold III of Belgium, 1942-47. This is a common date but scarce in nice condition. KM 128 has "BELGIE-BELGIQUE" while KM 127 has "BELGIQUE-BELGIE" but are otherwise the same (KM 127 was not struck in 1944 or 1945). Zinc coins deteriorate rapidly in circulation. King Leopold remained in Belgium during the war and his activities led to accusations of collaboration, whereupon he abdicated in 1950. Belgium joined the euro in 2002 and all the franc coinage is obsolete.

Recorded mintage: 24,190,000.

Specification: 4.25 g, zinc, 21.7 mm diameter, reeded edge.

Catalog reference: KM 128.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.

Link to:

• 1942 25 cents, BELGIQUE-BELGIE
• 1942 franc, BELGIQUE-BELGIE
• 1943 25 cents, BELGIE-BELGIQUE
• 1943 franc, BELGIE-BELGIQUE
• 1944 25 cents, BELGIE-BELGIQUE
• 1944 2 francs, Allied occupation coinage
• 1945 5 frank, zinc, Flemish legends
• Coins and currency dated 1944