Belgium 1834 5 francs
This specimen was lot 1175 in Jean Elsen sale 147 (Brussels, June 2021), where it sold for €1,200 (about US$1,754 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Léopold Ier (1831-1865), AR 5 francs, 1834. Pos. A. Légèrement nettoyé. Superbe. (kingdom of Belgium, Leopold I, 1831-65, silver five francs of 1834, position A. Lightly cleaned, Extremely Fine.)"
This type was struck 1832-35, 1838, 1840-41, 1844 and was the first Belgian five francs issued after obtaining independence from the Netherlands in 1830. As this type comes with a lettered edge, the edge lettering comes in two positions; position A has the lettering facing the reverse and position B has the lettering facing the obverse. This type is not rare but the 1833 is the only common date.
Recorded mintage: 350,000.
Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver, .723 troy oz ASW, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: Dav-50, KM 3.1, Bogaert 82A.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 147: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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