Belgium 2008 50 euro

Jean Elsen sale 144, lot 1343

This specimen was lot 1343 in Jean Elsen sale 144 (Brussels, March 2020), where it sold for €300 (about US$395 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"BELGIQUE, Royaume, Albert II (1993-2013), AV 50 euro, 2008. Maurice Maeterlinck - L'oiseau bleu. Fr-454. Flan poli. (kingdom of Belgium, Albert II, 1993-2013, gold fifty euro of 2008, Maurice Maeterlinck and The Blue Bird. Proof.)"

This NCLT honors Maurice Maeterlinck (1862-1949), Symbolist playwright and poet. The Blue Bird was his most successful play. This design also appeared on KM 266 (silver 10 euro).

Recorded mintage: 2,500.

Specification: 6.22 g, 0.999 fine gold, 0.20 troy oz AGW, 21 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM 267, Fr-454.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 2001-Date, 13th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2018.
• 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.
• ^[1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 144, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.

Link to:

• 2007 50 euro, fiftieth anniversary of the Treaty of Rome
• 2007 100 euro, 175th anniversary of the mint
• 2008 25 euro, Beijing Olympic Games
• 2009 50 euro, Erasmus and the 500th anniversary of In Praise of Folly
• 2009 100 euro, golden wedding anniversary of the king and queen
• Coins and currency dated 2008