Bearded head of Leopold II left, legend 'Leopold II King of the Belgians' in French around. Name of the engraver below.

Depicts the Belgium lesser coat of arms within olive wreath dividing facial value. The motto "Unity makes Strength" in French above, date below.

The lesser coat of arms consists of the shield, the royal crown, the crossed sceptres, the collar of the Order of Leopold. The shield bears a lion known as Leo Belgicus (Latin: the Belgian lion). Behind the shield are placed a hand of justice and a sceptre with a lion. The grand collar of the Order of Leopold surrounds the shield.

The Order of Leopold (Dutch: Leopoldsorde, French: Ordre de Léopold) is one of the three current Belgian national honorary orders of knighthood. It is the oldest and highest order of Belgium and is named in honour of its founder; King Leopold I. It consists of a military, a maritime and a civil division. The maritime division is only awarded to personnel of the merchant navy, and the military division to military personnel. The decoration was established on 11 July 1832 and is awarded by Royal order.

Position A: reverse (value) facing up, text on edge is normal
Position B: reverse (value) facing up, text on edge is upside-down

1865-1873: PROTEGE 27 mm.
1873-1876: PROTEGE 31 mm.

Inscription: God Protect Belgium