Belgium 1946 5 frank
This specimen was lot 1440 in Jean Elsen sale 156 (Brussels, September 2023), where it sold for €4,000 (about US$5,132 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Régence du prince Charles (1944-1950), zinc 5 frank, 1946 NL. De la plus haute rareté. Traces de corrosion. Très Beau. (kingdom of Belgium, regency of prince Charles, 1944-50, zinc five frank, Dutch legends. Of the highest rarity, traces of corrosion, Very Fine.)"
This type was issued 1941-47 during and immediately after the Nazi occupation. King Leopold remained in Belgium during the war and his activities led to accusations of collaboration, whereupon he abdicated in 1950. The similar type with French legends (KM 129.1) is common but this date is rare, having not been officially issued.
Recorded mintage: unknown; not officially struck.
Specification: 5.9 g, zinc, 25 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 130, Bogaert 2723 (proof only); Aernout 136.
- 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 156, Collection de Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
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