© smy77 (CC BY-NC-SA)
© smy77 (CC BY-NC-SA)
5 Centimes - Léopold II French text; small date
| Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) | 2.5 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Belgium |
|---|---|
| King | Leopold II (1865-1909) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1901-1903 |
| Value | 5 Centimes (0.05 BEF) |
| Currency | Franc (1832-2001) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Thickness | 1.29 mm |
| Shape | Round with a round hole (Center hole 3.5 mm) |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#8028 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 14% |
Reverse
Spray of leaves to left of center hole, denomination in French at right
Script: Latin
Lettering:
5
CES
A. MICHAUX
Unabridged legend: 5 Centimes
Engraver: Alphonse Michaux
Edge
Plain
Comment
This type has smaller date numbers than KM# 54.Schön# 17 includes both KM# 46 and KM# 54.
Varieties with a reversed 'M' in the signature, or described as 'WICHAUX' are probably due to die filling.
Interesting fact
The 5 Centimes coin featuring Léopold II was minted during a time of significant change in Belgium. Léopold II was the king of Belgium from 1865 until his death in 1909, and his reign saw the country undergo rapid industrialization and urbanization. The coin's design, featuring a portrait of the king on one side and the Belgian coat of arms on the other, was meant to symbolize the country's growing prosperity and influence in Europe. However, Léopold II's rule was also marked by controversy, particularly regarding his involvement in the exploitation of the Congo Free State, a large area of central Africa that was under his control. The king's policies in the Congo led to widespread human rights abuses, including forced labor, mass killings, and other forms of exploitation. Despite these controversies, the 5 Centimes coin remains an interesting piece of history, offering a glimpse into the complex and often problematic legacy of Belgium's colonial past.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1901 | 202100 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1902 | 1416017 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1903 | 863878 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 5 Centimes - Léopold II (French text; small date) 1901-1903 coin.
