5 francs - Leopold I bare head

Belgium · 1853 · 5 francs

Circulating coinUncommon

€38.08estimate

2,426,598coins minted

€33.41silver value · 22.5 g fine at today’s price

N261 KM17 LABFM-126 MOR39

RZReference number RZRZ-FBGN3

Circulating coin

Series of 5 francs of Leopold I with bare head (1849-1865)

The coin's story

This 5 francs coin in 900 thousandths silver belongs to the series struck from 1849 to 1865 with the bare-headed effigy of Leopold I, first King of the Belgians from 1831 to 1865. It succeeded the laureate head type engraved by Braemt. For nearly a century, the silver 5 francs coin was the reference coin of the Belgian system: together with the gold 20 francs coin, it guaranteed the redemption of banknotes. 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. WIENER. The 1853 date was struck in 2,426,598 pieces. The coin was demonetised on 30 July 1932.

ObverseThe Portrait of the King

LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGESL. WIENER

Design: Bare-headed bust of King Leopold I facing left.
Legend: LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGES (Leopold the First, King of the Belgians).
Signature: L. WIENER.

LWEngraved by Léopold Wiener

ReverseThe Arms of Belgium

L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE5 F1853

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: 5 F.
Date: 1853.

LWEngraved by Léopold Wiener

Specifications

Denomination5 francs
Year1853
Mintage2,426,598
MintMonnaie royale de Belgique, Bruxelles
MaterialSilver 0.900
ShapeRound
Diameter37 mm
Thickness2.5 mm
Weight25 g
EdgeThe edge is plain.**Inscription: DIEU PROTEGE LA BELGIQUE ★★★ (God protects Belgium), raised
ScriptsLatin