Belgium 1997 50 ecu
This specimen was lot 1327 in Jean Elsen sale 144 (Brussels, March 2020), where it sold for €590 (about US$778 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Albert II (1993-2013), AV 50 ecu, 1997. 40e anniversaire du Traité de Rome. Flan poli. (kingdom of Belgium, Albert II, 1993-2013, fortieth anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. Proof.)"
During the currency unification negotiations that eventually led to the euro, a coin called the ecu was proposed. The Belgian government went so far as to issue several different types 1987-98 to promote it. All were struck in precious metals, suggesting that the regime never seriously believed it would displace the Belgian franc then circulating. The euro was introduced in 1999-2002 and these coins now trade for bullion. This NCLT was accompanied by a silver five ecu (KM 205).
Recorded mintage: 2,500.
Specification: 15.55 g, 0.999 fine gold, 0.50 troy oz AGW, 29 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 206, Fr-438.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- 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 144, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
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