Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Centimes 1866-1899, KM# 26, Belgium, Leopold II
  • 50 Centimes 1866-1899, KM# 26, Belgium, Leopold II
Description

Leopold II (1835–1909) reigned as the second King of the Belgians from 1865 to 1909 (the longest reign of any Belgian monarch) and became known for the founding and exploitation of the Congo Free State as a private venture. He was responsible for the death of 15 million African people.

Engraver: Leopold Wiener

Obverse

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

LEOPOLD II ROI DES BELGES
L WIENER

Reverse

Depicts the Belgium lesser coat of arms 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.

L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE
50 Cs
18 68

Edge

50 Centimes

French Text
KM# 26 LA# BFM-66
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.835
Weight 2.5 g
Diameter 18 mm
Thickness 1.05 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Royal Belgian Mint

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Dutch Text

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French Text

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Dutch Text

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