King of the Belgians Leopold I Silver 5 Francs 1849

Description

Heading : King of the Belgians Leopold I silver 5 Francs 1849

Denomination: Silver milled 5 Francs (90% silver)

Period: House of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld

Date: 1849

Origin: Royal Mint of Belgium, Brussels

Condition: AVF, toned

Obverse:  Bare headed profile of Leopold I of Belgium, left,  surrounded with the legend in French, LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGES

Reverse: Coat of arms within wreath dividing value, legend in French above and year below, L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE. Lettering on the edge in relief, DIEU PROTEGE LA BELGIQUE

Size and Weight: 37mm, 24.77

References: KM#17

Features and Provenance: Although born in Germany, Leopold I was the first king of the Belgians, reigning from 21 July 1831 until his death in 1865. Whilst in the Imperial Russian Army he fought against Napoleon after French troops overran Saxe-Coburg during the Napoleonic Wars. He was Queen Victoria’s favourite uncle and Leopold even became a British prince when he married Princess Charlotte of Wales, Victoria’s cousin. Even after Charlotte’s untimely death he remained close to Victoria and was known to have been protective.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible