Belgium 1912 100 francs

Sincona sale 43, lot 3137

This specimen was lot 3137 in Sincona sale 43 (Zurich, October 2017), where it sold for 65,000 CHF (aboout US$77,565 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"BELGIUM | Königreich, Albert, 1909-1934 100 Francs 1912. Brüssel Französische Umschrift, mit Randschrift. Von grösster Seltenheit. Nur 6 Exemplare geprägt. Fast FDC. (kingdom of Belgium Albert I, 1909-34, one hundred francs of 1912, Brussels mint, French legends, with edge lettering. Of the highest rarity, Only 6 pieces struck, About uncirculated.)"

This coin, struck during the reign of Albert I of Belgium (1909-34), was struck with Walloons (dialect of French) and Flemish (dialect of Dutch) legends. The French legend type is shown here; both are extremely rare, being patterns. Belgium was thoroughly devastated during World War One and its gold coinage was terminated.

Recorded mintage: 6 plus 3 with Flemish legends.

Specification: 32.26 g, 0.900 fine gold, .933 troy oz AGW, this specimen is 30.55 g.

Catalog reference: KM Pn194; Schl. 30. Fr-417.

Sources:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• ^[1]Richter, Jürg, Sincona sale 43, Gold and Silver Coins and Medals, Zurich: Sincona AG, 2017.

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