Belgium 50 centimes 1886 - Leopold II, Dutch text

Belgium · 1886 · 50 cn

Circulating coinUncommon

€8.08estimate

3,750,000coins minted

€3.10silver value · 2.09 g fine at today’s price

N16053 KM27 LABFM-67 MOR185

RZReference number RZRZ-QS2DA

Circulating coin

Series of 50 centimes of Leopold II of the Wiener type (1866-1899)

The coin's story

This silver 50 centimes coin belongs to the long series struck from 1866 to 1899 in the name of Leopold II, King of the Belgians from 1865 to 1909. Its fineness of 835 thousandths follows the rules of the Latin Monetary Union, concluded in 1865 with France, Italy and Switzerland, which reserved 900 thousandths silver for the 5 francs coins and set 835 thousandths for the smaller denominations. 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, he designed most of the Belgian coinage under Leopold I and at the beginning of the reign of Leopold II. This version bears the Dutch legend LEOPOLD II KONING DER BELGEN and the motto EENDRACHT MAAKT MACHT (Unity makes strength). The 1886 date was struck in 3,750,000 pieces. The coin was demonetised on 30 July 1932.

ObverseThe Portrait of the King

LEOPOLD II KONING DER BELGENL.WIENER

Design: Bust of King Leopold II facing left.
Legend: LEOPOLD II KONING DER BELGEN (Leopold II, King of the Belgians).
Signature: L.WIENER.

LWEngraved by Léopold Wiener

ReverseThe Arms of Belgium

EENDRACHT MAAKT MACHT50 Cn1886

Design: The Belgian arms between the two parts of the value, surrounded by two olive branches.
Motto: EENDRACHT MAAKT MACHT (Unity makes strength).
Denomination: 50 Cn (50 centiemen).
Date: 1886.

LWEngraved by Léopold Wiener