20 Ces. Leopold I

Belgium · 1853 · 20 ces

Circulating coinRare

€38.08estimate

1,965,054coins minted

€1.34silver value · 0.9 g fine at today’s price

N266 KM19 LABFM-46 MOR58

RZReference number RZRZ-QS2DB

Circulating coin

Series of 20 centimes of Leopold I (1852-1858)

The coin's story

This small 20 centimes coin in 900 thousandths silver, weighing only one gram, belongs to the series struck from 1852 to 1858 in the name of Leopold I, first King of the Belgians. A prince of Saxe-Coburg, he took the oath to the Constitution on 21 July 1831, a date that became the national holiday, and reigned until his death at Laeken on 10 December 1865, he founded the dynasty that still reigns over Belgium. The portrait is the work of Léopold Wiener (1823-1891), born in Venlo, who joined the Brussels Mint in 1847 and was chief engraver for more than forty years, and who signs L.W. below the bust. The coin bears the national motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Unity makes strength) around the arms. The 1853 date was struck in 1,965,054 pieces and exists with the signature L.W. or L W. The coin is no longer legal tender.

ObverseThe Portrait of the King

LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGESL.W.

Design: Bust of King Leopold I facing left.
Legend: LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGES (Leopold the First, King of the Belgians).
Signature: L.W.

LWEngraved by Léopold Wiener

ReverseThe Arms of Belgium

L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE20 Ces.1853

Design: The Belgian arms between the two parts of the value, surrounded by two olive branches.
Motto: L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (Unity makes strength).
Denomination: 20 Ces. (20 centimes).
Date: 1853.

LWEngraved by Léopold Wiener