20 Francs - Albert I French text

Albert I's accession in 1909 brought a bilingual coinage policy that split production between French- and Flemish-legend types — identical in every physical respect, distinguished only by language. The 1914 issue carries particular weight because Belgium struck these coins in the months immediately before the German invasion of August 4th, after which the Brussels mint fell under occupation and normal production ceased entirely.

Surviving 1914-dated pieces in uncirculated condition are more common than the wartime circumstances might suggest — much of that year's output had not yet entered circulation before the crisis interrupted everything.