Belgium 1998 50 ecu

Jean Elsen sale 144, lot 1328

This specimen was lot 1328 in Jean Elsen sale 144 (Brussels, March 2020), where it sold for €630 (about US$830 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Albert II (1993-2013), AV 50 ecu, 1998. 50e anniversaire de la déclaration universelle des droits de l'homme. Flan poli. (kingdom of Belgium, Albert II, 1993-2013, 50 ecu of 1998, fiftieth anniversary of the universal declaration of the rights of man, 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 221).

Recorded mintage: 2,500.

Specification: 15.55 g, 0.999 fine gold, 0.50 troy oz AGW, 29 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM 211, Fr-439.

Source:

• 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.

Link to:

• 1996 50 ecu, on the fiftieth anniversary of UNICEF
• 1997 50 ecu, fortieth anniversary of the Treaty of Rome
• 1999 5,000 francs, European Culture Capital
• Coins and currency dated 1998