500 francs - 150 years of Belgian independence - Proof, French legend

The coin's story

This silver 500 francs coin marks the 150th anniversary of the independence of Belgium, proclaimed in 1830. Its obverse brings together in medallions the profiles of the five kings who have reigned since: Leopold I, who took the oath on 21 July 1831, Leopold II, Albert I, Leopold III and Baudouin. The reverse shows the map of the country with the legend in French, a Dutch version bears 150 JAAR ONAFHANKELIJKHEID. Both sides are the work of Paul Huybrechts, who signs PH. Struck at the Royal Mint in Brussels in 510 thousandths silver, this proof version has a mintage of 52,700. Not intended for circulation, the coin was demonetised on 3 September 1990.