Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Belgium)
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| (Dutch) Koninkrijk België (French) Royaume de Belgique (German) Königreich Belgien Kingdom of Belgium
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Gold and silver commemorative coins are special euro coins minted and issued by member states of the eurozone since 2002 as legal tender, unlike normal issues, only in the country where the coin was issued. They are a legacy of old national practice of minting silver and gold commemorative coins.
They are not really intended to be used as means of payment, as their bullion value generally vastly exceeds their face value, so it does not constitute a serious problem, hence they are usually named Collectors' coins. The coins usually commemorate the anniversaries of historical events or draw attention to current events of special importance. Belgium mints five of these coins in average per year, in both gold and silver, with face value ranging from 10 to 100 euro.
As of 2008, twenty-five variations of Belgian commemorative coins have been minted — two in 2002, two in 2003, four in 2004, four in 2005, five in 2006, six in 2007 and two in 2008 so far. These special high value commemorative coins are not to be confused with €2 commemorative coins, which are coins designated for circulation and do have legal tender status in all countries of the eurozone.[1]
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[edit] 2002 coinage
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Topic: 50 years of the North-South connection | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 16.10.2002 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €30 [2] €29.90 [3] | |
| The euro was introduced in the eurozone in 2002. As a result, Belgium started to mint collectors' coins late 2002; so this coin was the first Belgian euro commemorative coin ever released.
The obverse front side shows a train coming out of a tunnel in one of the most famous interjections in Belgium (Nord-Midi). It has written on the coin the words “Noord-Zuidverbinding Jonction Nord-Midi” (North-South connection, interjection Nord-Midi) and the years 1952 (representing the opening of the connection) and 2002. The reverse side shows the effigy of King Albert II, facing to the left surrounded by stars. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 10 euro. |
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Topic: Homage to 3 pioneers of the European unification | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €100 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 5,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2002 | Diameter: 29 mm | Weight: 15.55 g | Market Value: €300 [2] | |
| This was the first Belgian gold euro commemorative coin ever released.
The obverse side shows a portrait with the names of three pioneers of European unification: Robert Schuman, Paul-Henri Spaak and Konrad Adenauer. The reverse side shows a map of the European Union as of 2002. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 100 euro. |
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[edit] 2003 coinage
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Topic: 100 Years of Georges Simenon | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2003 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €31 [2] | |
| Although his well-known protagonist, Detective Inspector Maigret, was Parisian, Georges Simenon was one of most famous Belgians writers of the twentieth century. With more than two hundred novels, most of them translated into several dozen languages and more than fifty were adapted for television and the large screen, he has left a large collection of masterpieces behind. Two of them, My Friend Maigret (1949) and Maigret in Court (1960) were named in 1987 as two of the hundred best crime novels. For his work particularly on police novels, Belgium has chosen to honor the centennial of his birth (February 13, 1903) with a 10 Euro sterling silver commemorative coin. [4]. The obverse front side shows his portrait.
The reverse side shows a map of the European Union as of 2003. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 10 euro, surrounded by the 12 stars of the union. |
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Topic: 200 years of the Germinal Franc | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €100 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 5,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2003 | Diameter: 29 mm | Weight: 15.55 g | Market Value: €301 [2] | |
| The obverse side of the coin shows the two faces of the "Germinal Franc", a currency stablished in 1803. Some historians consider that, since this currency references to both gold and silver, indicates the creation of the bi-metallic system.
The reverse side shows the effigy of King Albert II. To the left of the coin, the royal mint mark is depicted. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed in the middle as well as the nominal value of 100 euro. |
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[edit] 2004 coinage
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Topic: 75 years of Kuifje (Tintin) | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2004 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €31 [2] | |
| The coin celebrates the 75th anniversary of the famous Belgian cartoon Kuifje, also known as Tintin. The minting of this coin received a lot of attention world wide; even the Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders attended the minting ceremony. "It is important to celebrate Tintin and Herge not only in Belgium, but all over the world," he said. [5]
A Portrait of Tintin and his dog Snowy can be seen in the obverse side of the coin. The reverse side shows a map of the European Union as of 2004. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 10 euro, surrounded by the 12 stars of the union. |
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Topic: Expansion of the European Union | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2004 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €31 [2] | |
| The female character "Europa", abducted by Zeus, watching the continent from the skies is shown in the obverse of the coin. The continent Europe has ultimately been named after this female character. In the eighth century ecclesiastical uses of "Europa" for the imperium of Charlemagne provide the source for the modern geographical term. The name of Europe as a geographical term came in use by Ancient Greek geographers such as Strabo. [6] It is derived from the Greek word Europa (Ευρώπη) in almost all European languages.
As a result, Europa has been used frequently as a symbol of Europe. Statues of her and the bull, are placed outside several European Union institutions, the €2 Greek euro coin also pictures them. Europa's name appeared on postage stamps commemorating the Council of Europe, which were first issued in 1956. In the reverse of the coin, 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 10 euro, surrounded by the 12 stars of the union. |
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Topic: 70th Anniversary of King Albert II | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €50 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 10,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2004 | Diameter: 21 mm | Weight: 6.22 g | Market Value: €149 [2] | |
| The obverse side shows the effigy of King Albert II. To the left of the coin, the royal mint mark is depicted with the number 70, representing his anniversary.
The reverse side shows, for the first time, the map of whole Europe as a representation of the European Union Expansion that took place in 2004. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 50 euro, surrounded by the 12 stars of the union. |
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Topic: The European Union Expansion | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €100 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 5,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2004 | Diameter: 29 mm | Weight: 15.55 g | Market Value: €301 [2] | |
| In May 1, 2004, eight of the old communist countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia), plus the Mediterranean islands of Malta and Cyprus, joined the union. This was the largest single enlargement in terms of people and landmass, though the smallest in terms of GDP [7].
To commemorate this remarkable event, the Belgian mint minted this gold commemorative coin. The obverse side of the coin shows ten landmarks, one for each of the ten new members of the European Union, surrounding the Euro symbol with the 12 stars of the union. The reverse side shows the new map of the union, with the new members added. The names of these new members are also shown to the right of the map. |
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[edit] 2005 coinage
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Topic: 100 years of Derby of the low countries. | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) & Cu 75 (Copper) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2005 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €32.50 [2] | |
| The obverse depicts an image of a footballer with the Heizel Stadium in the background. The flags of Belgium and the Netherlands can be seen on top of the stadium.
The stadium, also known as King Baudouin Stadium (French: Stade Roi Baudouin, Dutch: Koning Boudewijnstadion), is a sports ground in north-west Brussels. It was inaugurated on August 23, 1930 (days after Belgium's 100th anniversary) as the Stade du Jubilé or Jubelstadion (Jubilee Stadium) in the presence of Prince Leopold III. It was built to embellish the Heysel plateau in view of the 1935 World's Fair. The stadium hosted 70,000 at the time. This coin was minted to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this event. The reverse of the coin shows a map of the European Union as of 2005, including the recently joined ten new members. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 10 euro, surrounded by the 12 stars of the union. |
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Topic: 60 years of peace and freedom in Europe | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) & Cu 75 (Copper) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2005 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €31 [2] | |
| The obverse features an stylised version of the The Phoenix rising from the ashes, as a representation of a new Europe post 1945, celebrating 60 years of peace and freedom in the continent.
The reverse shows a map of Europe. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 10 euro, surrounded by the 12 stars of the European Union. |
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Topic: 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €20 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) & Cu 75 (Copper) | Quantity: 25,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2005 | Diameter: 37 mm | Weight: 22.85 g | Market Value: €49 [2] | |
| In the obverse, an effigy of a soccer player commemorating the games is depicted.
The reverse shows the effigy of King Albert II, facing to the left surrounded by the 12 stars of the union. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 20 euro. |
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Topic: 175 Years of Belgium | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €100 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 5,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2005 | Diameter: 29 mm | Weight: 15.55 g | Market Value: €315 [2] | |
| The obverse shows a depict of the famous painting "Scene of the September days in 1830" [8], a representation of the Belgian Revolution.
The reverse shows the effigy of King Albert II, facing to the left surrounded by the 12 stars of the union. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 100 euro. |
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[edit] 2006 coinage
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Topic: Justus Lipsius | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) & Cu 75 (Copper) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2006 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €32.50 [2] | |
| The obverse shows a portrait of Justus Lipsius, a Flemish philologist and humanist. The coin is in honour of the 400th anniversary of his death.
The reverse shows a map of Europe as one continent. 'Belgium' in the three official languages is displayed as well as the nominal value of 10 euro, surrounded by the 12 stars of the European Union. |
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Topic: 50 years of the catastrophe "Bois du Cazier" at Marcinelle. | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) & Cu 75 (Copper) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2006 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €32.50 [2] | |
| The obverse shows a portrait of a miner, with the mine "Bois du Cazier" in the background. There was an accident in the mine in 1956, and more than 260 miners lost their lives. This coin was minted as a tribute to those miners. | ||||
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Topic: 175 years of Belgian Dynasty | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €100 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 5,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2006 | Diameter: 29 mm | Weight: 15.55 g | Market Value: €330 [2] | |
| The obverse shows the monument dedicated to Leopold I. Built in 1881, it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Belgian Dynasty. Six royal monograms cam be seen around the monument.
The reverse shows the map of the European Union, including the new members that joined in 2004. |
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Topic: Lipsius Justus | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €50 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 2,500 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2006 | Diameter: 21 mm | Weight: 6.22 g | Market Value: €170 [2] | |
| This coin is the first ever 50 euro gold minted by Belgium. The design of the obverse and the reverse is exactly the same as the equivalent 10 euro coin. | ||||
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Topic: 175 years of Belgian Dynasty | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €12.50 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 15,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2006 | Diameter: 14 mm | Weight: 1.25 g | Market Value: €59 [2] | |
| This was the first 12.50 euro coin ever minted by Belgium. The obverse of the coin shows a portrait of Leopold I, the father of the Belgian dynasty.
In the reverse a seated lion can be observed, under the words 'Belgium' in the three official languages, on top of the face value 12.50 euro. |
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[edit] 2007 coinage
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Topic: Treaty of Rome | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) & Cu 75 (Copper) | Quantity: 40,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2007 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €32.50 [2] | |
| The obverse shows a goose feather on top of a document, symbolizing the signature of the Treaty of Rome in 1957, the very first step of the union. Six lines can be seen coming out of the pen, each of them representing one of the original members.
The reverse shows a map of the countries of the European Union. For the first time includes the countries of the new members Bulgaria and Romania. |
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Topic: International Polar Foundation | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) & Cu 75 (Copper) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2007 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €32.50 [2] | |
| This coin was issued to commemorate the 4th International Polar year and the establishment of a new Belgian scientific basis on Antarctica [9]. In the obverse, a view of the polar station with its three wind turbines can be seen, as well as some of the polar ice mountains in the background.
The reverse shows the map of the European Union as of 2007. The word "Belgium" is written in the three official languages, with the face value of 20 euro. In the bottom of the coin, the name of the foundation "Princess Elizabeth Antarctica" is written. |
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Topic: 100 Anniversary of Hergé's birth. | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €20 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) & Cu 75 (Copper) | Quantity: 50,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2007 | Diameter: 37 mm | Weight: 22.85 g | Market Value: €49 [2] | |
| In the obverse, a self portrait of Hergé can be seen to the left. Hergé was one of the most famous Belgian comics writer and artist. To the right of the portrait, there is a portrait of his masterpiece Kuifje (Tintin). In the bottom of the coin, Herge's signature is depicted.
The reverse shows the map of the European Union as of 2007. The word "Belgium" is written in the three official languages, with the face value of 20 euro. |
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Topic: Leopold II | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €12.50 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 15,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2007 | Diameter: 14 mm | Weight: 1.25 g | Market Value: €59 [2] | |
| This coin was also issued commemorating the 175th anniversary of the Belgian royal dynasty. On the obverse the effigy of King Leopold II, the second King of the Belgians, and the inscription LEOPOLDVS II and the date 2007. [10]
In the reverse a seated lion can be observed, under the words 'Belgium' in the three official languages, on top of the face value 12.50 euro. |
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Topic: Treaty of Rome | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €50 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 2,500 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2007 | Diameter: 21 mm | Weight: 6.22 g | Market Value: €170 [2] | |
| Similarly as the 10 euro "Treaty of Rome" coin, the obverse shows a goose feather on top of a document, symbolizing the signature of the Treaty of Rome in 1957, the very first step of the union. Six lines can be seen coming out of the pen, each of them representing one of the original members.
The reverse shows the map of the European Union as of 2007. The word "Belgium" is written in the three official languages, with the face value of 50 euro. |
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Topic: 175 years of Belgian coins | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €100 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: 5,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2007 | Diameter: 29 mm | Weight: 15.55 g | Market Value: €330 [2] | |
| The obverse shows a very old coin die, used to mint the first Belgian coins. Around it there are six representations of the most common pre-euro Belgian coins.
The reverse shows the map of the European Union as of 2007. The word "Belgium" is written in the three official languages, with the face value of 100 euro. |
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[edit] 2008 coinage
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Topic: Maurice Maeterlinck | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €10 | Alloy: Ag 925 (Silver) | Quantity: 20,000 | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2008 | Diameter: 33 mm | Weight: 18.75 g | Market Value: €38.75 [11] | |
| This coin was to commemorate the hundred anniversary of Maurice Maeterlinck greatest contemporary success: L'Oiseau Bleu, written in 1908. Maurice was a Belgian poet, playwright, and essayist writing in French. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1911.
The play premiered on September 30, 1908 at Constantin Stanislavski's Moscow Art Theatre and has been turned into several films and a TV series. The story is about a girl called Mytyl and her brother Tyltyl seeking happiness, represented by The Blue Bird of Happiness, aided by the good fairy Berylune. [12] The reverse shows a clear view of all the countries of the eurozone, surrounded by the word "Belgium" in the three official languages and the face value of 10 euro. |
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Topic: Maurice Maeterlinck | Designer: ? | ||
| Value: €50 | Alloy: Au 999 (Gold) | Quantity: ? | Quality: Proof | |
| Issued: 2008 | Diameter: 21 mm | Weight: 6.22 g | Market Value: €172.50 [11] | |
| This coin design is similar to the 10 euro Maurice Maeterlinck coin. | ||||
[edit] References
- ^ European Commission (2006-05-05). Different types of euro coins. Retrieved on 2007-03-17.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w muntslag.eu online shop.
- ^ eurocoins.com online shop.
- ^ The coin and currency intitute of Belgium.
- ^ BBC news - Euro coin honours Tintin and Snowy.
- ^ Strabo, Geography 8.1.1
- ^ Europa, History of EU 2000-Present.
- ^ Painting "Scene of the September days in 1830"..
- ^ Antarctica, 2007 at The Eurocoins Store.
- ^ Léopold II, 2007 at The Eurocoins Store.
- ^ a b The Royal Belgian Mint.
- ^ Belgium - 50 Euro gold Proof, L Oiseau bleu, Maurice Maeterlinck, 2008 at The Eurocoins Store.
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