Description
Each coin in this listing is a random-year issue dated between 1867 and 1882, in circulated condition consistent with its age and period of use. Two distinct portrait varieties exist within this date range: an earlier, younger bare-headed portrait of Leopold II (1867–1870) and a later portrait featuring a more prominent beard (1870–1882). The specific year and portrait variety received will depend on available inventory.
These coins have been off the market for over a century, making every surviving example a genuine antique gold piece with irreplaceable historical provenance.
Design Features
Obverse:
The obverse was engraved by Léopold Wiener, the chief engraver of the Royal Belgian Mint, and features a right-facing portrait of King Leopold II of Belgium. The Latin inscription surrounding the portrait reads “LEOPOLD II ROI DES BELGES” — meaning “Leopold II, King of the Belgians.” The year of issue appears at the bottom of the obverse field, with the engraver’s initials “L W” also present.
Reverse:
The reverse displays the Belgian coat of arms — a crowned, rampant lion on a heraldic shield representing the nine provinces of Belgium — flanked by two laurel branches and topped with the Belgian royal crown. The denomination “20 FR” appears at the base. The reverse motto “L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE” — meaning “Unity Makes Strength,” the national motto of Belgium — is inscribed around the shield. The edge is reeded.
Edge:
The edge is reeded
Technical Specifications
- Contains 0.1867 troy oz of 90% fine gold (5.81 grams of pure gold content)
- Struck by the Royal Mint of Belgium, Brussels — 1867 to 1882
- Part of the historic Latin Monetary Union — circulated across multiple European nations
- Features the effigy of King Leopold II, Belgium’s longest-reigning monarch (1865–1909)
- Reverse engraved with Belgium’s national coat of arms and motto “L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE”
- Obverse engraved by celebrated Belgian engraver Léopold Wiener
- Legal tender in Belgium with a face value of 20 Belgian Francs (demonetized 1957)
- Approximately 28 million Leopold II 20 Franc gold coins minted — one of Europe’s most recognized historic gold coins
- Random year from 1867–1882; circulated condition consistent with 19th-century age
- Two portrait varieties: bare-headed (1867–1870) and bearded portrait (1870–1882)
- A genuine antique gold coin — over 140 years old
- Ideal for European gold coin collections, world coin collections, and gold bullion portfolios
Buy the Belgium 20 Francs Gold Coin — King Leopold II from Bullion Trading LLC
You can now buy the Belgium 20 Francs Gold Coin featuring King Leopold II from Bullion Trading LLC. Order online or visit our physical store at 20 West 47th Street, Lower Level #24, New York, NY 10036.
Investment & Collectability
Today, the Belgium 20 Franc gold coin is prized for both its history and gold value:
- A collector’s coin due to its historical importance
- A gold investment piece with recognized purity and weight
This coin often commands a premium above its intrinsic gold value, especially in well-preserved condition.
Interested in other fractional oz coins? Check out 1/4 oz World Coins!
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