Belgian 20 Franc
Dating from the mid-late 19th century Kingdom of Belgium, these historic European gold coins feature Leopold II, who reigned from 1865 to 1909. Remembered today as the "Builder King" because of the many new buildings he commissioned in Brussels, Ostend and Antwerp, Leopold II is also known for hiring the famous explorer Henry Morton Stanley to colonize the Congo in 1876.
Design of the Belgian 20 Franc Gold Coin
The obverse (front) of this gold coin features the bare head of King Leopold II facing right with the inscription: LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGES. The first type of this coin was issued from 1867 to 1870, and the second type was issued from 1870 to 1882 (thus, coins dated 1870 may be of either type). The second type has a redesigned portrait of King Leopold II with a slightly longer and coarser beard, a different shaped truncation at the neck, and other small differences including larger lettering and date numerals.
The reverse (back) of the coin features a Belgian coat of arms: a lion in a circular shield draped in an ermine cape topped by a crown. The inscription reads: L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE 20 FR.
Belgian 20 Franc Coin Minting Information
Belgium Leopold II gold coins are identical in size and weight as to the popular France 20 franc Angels.
DETAILED COIN INFORMATION
Belgian 20 Franc Gold Coin
| GROSS WEIGHT | GOLD CONTENT | COMPOSITION | DIAMETER | COIN EDGE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.4516g | 0.1867 troy oz. | 90% gold | 21mm | -- | |
| Dates: 1867 - 1882 | |||||
† Please note that product images are for representative purposes only and do not reflect actual size.
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