Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Centimes 1833-1861, KM# 5, Belgium, Leopold I
  • 5 Centimes 1833-1861, KM# 5, Belgium, Leopold I
Description

Engraver: Joseph-Pierre Braemt

Obverse

The royal monogram crowned by the heraldic crown of Belgium and surrounded by the inscription 'Leopold First King of the Belgians' in French.

Some monarchies never had a physical crown, just a heraldic representation, as in the constitutional kingdom of Belgium.

LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGES
1848

Reverse

Leo Belgicus with a paw over the Constitution of Belgium. Around is the Belgian motto 'Unity makes strength' in French. Name of the engraver below.

The Leo Belgicus (Latin for Belgic Lion) was used in both heraldry and map design to symbolize the former Low Countries (current day Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium and a small part of northern France) with the shape of a lion. The names derived from the Belgae are now mostly identified with the country Belgium.

The Constitution of Belgium dates back to 1831. Since then Belgium has been a parliamentary monarchy that applies the principles of ministerial responsibility for the government policy and the Trias Politica. The Constitution established Belgium as a centralised unitary state.

BRAEMT F. = Made (Fecit) by Braemt

L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE
CONSTITUTION
BELGE
1831

5 CENT.S
BRAEMT F.

Edge

5 Centimes

KM# 5 LA# BFM-14
Characteristics
Material Copper
Weight 10 g
Diameter 28 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# 5.1, KM# 5.2, KM# 5.3, KM# 5.1a
Mint
Royal Belgian Mint

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