Kingdom of Belgium – 1868 5 Francs Silver Coin, Leopold II The 1868 5 Francs silver coin of the Kingdom of Belgium was struck during the early reign of King Leopold II, who had ascended the throne just three years earlier in 1865. Minted in .900 fine silver, this large-format crown coin reflects the design standards of the Latin Monetary Union, a multi-nation currency alliance that Belgium joined in 1865, promoting uniformity in weight, composition, and denomination among member states. The obverse features a detailed portrait of King Leopold II facing left, inscribed LEOPOLD II ROI DES BELGES(Leopold II, King of the Belgians). Below the bust is the name of the engraver, Leopold Wiener, a prominent Belgian medalist and designer whose work defined the royal coinage of the era. The reverse displays the national arms of Belgium: a crowned shield bearing the rampant Belgian lion, flanked by oak and laurel branches tied with a ribbon. The denomination "5 F" appears to the sides of the shield, and the national motto L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE (“Unity Makes Strength”) runs along the upper edge. The date "1868" is positioned at the base. Struck in Brussels, this coin contains 25 grams of 90% silver and measures 37 millimeters in diameter. As a product of Belgium’s participation in the Latin Monetary Union, it circulated widely and was fully interchangeable with French, Italian, and Swiss silver coinage of the same denomination and weight standard. For collectors, the 1868 issue holds particular interest as one of the earliest 5 Francs coins of Leopold II. It predates his later, controversial colonial ventures and reflects Belgium's stability and economic modernization in the post-Napoleonic European order. Specimens in good condition are sought after both for their silver content and their connection to a formative period in Belgian numismatic history. At VDG Militaria, we are dedicated to providing collectors with an exceptional selection of original military antiques. Our passion for history and commitment to authenticity ensure that every item we offer is thoroughly researched, accurately described, and meticulously photographed. Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the world of militaria, our curated inventory includes a diverse range of artifacts from various periods and conflicts. From uniforms and insignia to medals and equipment, we aim to connect you with pieces that tell the stories of the past. Our expertise and attention to detail mean you can trust that every item you purchase is genuine and precisely represented. Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we strive to make your collecting experience as seamless and enjoyable as possible. If you have any inquiries or need assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Using the Offer Feature We are pleased to offer a "Make an Offer" feature on our website, allowing you to negotiate the price of items that catch your eye. Once you submit an offer, expect an email from us shortly after. If your offer is accepted, the email will include a special payment link for your convenience. Please check your spam folder if you have strict email filters. We promise to respond to all offers as quickly as possible. If you do not hear from us within one business day, feel free to reach out directly via phone or text at the contact information below to ensure your request is promptly addressed. Contact Us For the fastest response, we recommend reaching out via email or text. We typically reply to emails and text messages the quickest. 📧 Email: vdgmilitaria@yahoo.com
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