2 Centimes - Léopold II

The 2 Centimes coin from the Belgian Congo, featuring Léopold II, has an interesting history. It was minted during a time when the Congo Free State was under the rule of King Léopold II, who was also the owner of the Congo Free State, a private colony that was established through the International Association of the Congo. The coin was made of copper and weighed 4 grams, and it was used as a standard circulation coin in the region. One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during a time of great controversy and exploitation. The Congo Free State was established as a private colony by King Léopold II, who used it to extract vast amounts of wealth, primarily through the forced labor of the indigenous population. The coinage of the Congo Free State, including the 2 Centimes coin, was used to facilitate trade and commerce in the region, but it also served as a symbol of the exploitation and oppression that was taking place. Today, the 2 Centimes coin is a rare and valuable collector's item, and it serves as a reminder of the complex and often problematic history of colonialism in Africa.