Belgium 1870 5 francs

from the Stack's Bowers 2020 Collector's Choice sale, lot 70140

This specimen was lot 70140 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Santa Ana, CA, February 2020), where it sold for $70. The catalog description^[1] noted, "BELGIUM. 5 Francs, 1870. Leopold II. NGC Unc Details--Obverse Cleaned. A well struck and lightly gray toned crown with some light obverse hairlines." This type was struck 1865-78 in large numbers and is the commonest silver coin of the reign. Leopold II was hailed at the beginning of his reign as an enlightened, constitutional monarch, and later vilified for his activities in the Congo Free State.

Recorded mintage: 10,486,000.

Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver, .723 troy oz ASW, lettered edge.

Catalog reference: KM-24, Dav-53.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964
• ^[1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The February 2020 Collector's Choice sale: World and Ancient Coins, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.

Link to:

• 1869 5 francs
• 1870 20 francs
• 1871 5 francs
• Coins and currency dated 1870