Catalog
| Issuer | Belgium |
|---|---|
| Year | 1811-1860 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 5 Centimes (0.05 BEF) |
| Currency | Franc (1832-2001) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 10 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Joseph-Pierre Braemt |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#5.1, KM#5.2, KM#5.3, KM#5.1a, LA#BFM-14 |
| Obverse description | The royal monogram is surrounded with lettering in French. Date below. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGES 1853 (Translation: Leopold First King of the Belgians) |
| Reverse description | A lion, symbol of Belgium, with a paw over the Belgian Constitution dating 1831. Around is the Belgian motto in French. Value and designer below. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
L`UNION FAIT LA FORCE CONSTITUTION BELGE 1831* 5 CENTs BRAEMT F. (Translation: Unity Makes Strength Belgian Constitution 1831 5 Centimes Made by Braemt) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1811 - 1811/41 - error struck in 1841 - 1833 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point - 4 436 798 1833 - KM# 5.1a; Bronze - 1833 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 1833 - Medal alignment (Morin) - 1834 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point (exists with double E in CENT) - 2 514 616 1834 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 1835 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 1837 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point - 12 037 595 1837 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 1838 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 1841 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point - 2 508 518 1841 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point; Overdate variety 1841/11 exists - 1842 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point - 5 536 540 1842 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 1847 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point (exists with double T in CENT) - 1 130 524 1847 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 1848 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point - 1 845 154 1848 - KM# 5.1a; Bronze - 1848 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 1849 - KM# 5.1; Large 9; Signature with point - 1849 - KM# 5.1; Small 9; Signature with point - 1 447 142 1849 - KM# 5.2; Large 9; Signature without point - 1849 - KM# 5.2; Small 9; Signature without point - 1850 - KM# 5.1; O large; Signature with point - 1850 - KM# 5.1; O long; Signature with point - 1850 - KM# 5.1; O open; Signature with point - 1850 - KM# 5.1a; Bronze - 1850 - KM# 5.2; O large; Signature without point - 2 689 025 1850 - KM# 5.2; O long; Signature without point - 1850 - KM# 5.2; O open; Signature without point - 1851 - KM# 5.1; Large 5; Signature with point - 1851 - KM# 5.1; Small 5; Signature with point - 2 381 059 1851 - KM# 5.2; Large 5; Signature without point - 1851 - KM# 5.2; Small 5; Signature without point - 1852 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point - 1 942 901 1852 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point; Bold 52 - 1852 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point; Small 52 - 1852 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 1853 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 704 853 1855 - KM# 5.1; Large 55; Signature with point - 264 870 1855 - KM# 5.1; Small 55; Signature with point - 1856 - KM# 5.1; Signature with point - 5 656 880 1857 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point - 2 299 303 1858 - KM# 5.1a; Bronze - 1858 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point; With cross on crown - 2 711 519 1858 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point; Without cross on crown - 1859 - KM# 5.1a; Bronze - 1859 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point; With cross on crown - 2 591 287 1859 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point; Without cross on crown - 1860 - KM# 5.2; Signature without point; Overdate variety 1850/60 exists - 198 997 |
| Numisquare ID | 4400304980 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 5 Centimes coin of Léopold I represents a foundational piece in the numismatic history of independent Belgium. Issued during the reign of its first monarch, Léopold I (1831-1865), this copper denomination solidified the newly formed nation's monetary sovereignty following the 1830 revolution. Its production, primarily from 1832 through 1860, marked Belgium's full adoption of the decimal currency system, establishing a distinct national identity on its coinage.
Artistry: The design of the Léopold I 5 Centimes is characteristic of the Neoclassical style prevalent in early 19th-century European minting. While specific engraver details for all varieties (KM#5.1, 5.2, 5.3) are complex, the overall aesthetic is attributed to the influence of figures like Joseph-Pierre Braemt, Chief Engraver of the Brussels Mint. The obverse typically features a dignified bust of Léopold I, often facing left, while the reverse displays the denomination within a wreath, surmounted by a crown, embodying national pride.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper with a substantial weight of 10 grams and a diameter of 28 millimeters, this 5 Centimes coin often exhibits variations in strike quality. Key high-points for grading include the hair details on Léopold I's portrait, particularly around the ear and temples, and the intricate elements of the crown and wreath on the reverse. Collectors should seek a full, even strike, as areas like the legend and finer wreath details can often appear weak or flat, impacting eye appeal and value.