Coin
2½ Francs - Léopold I large head (1849) — Belgium
Belgium • 1849 • KM#12, LA#BFM-123, Mor#48-50
Overview
No description
Specifications
- Country
- Belgium
- Year
- 1849
- Composition
- Silver (.900) (10% copper)
- Weight
- 12.5 g
- Diameter
- 30 mm
- Thickness
- 1.75 mm
- Mint
- Royal Mint of Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
- Shape
- Round
- Technique
- Milled
- References
- KM#12, LA#BFM-123, Mor#48-50
- Issuer
- Belgium
Design details
Obverse
The portrait in left profile of Leopold I of Belgium is surrounded with the legend in French, 'LEOPOLD PREMIER ROI DES BELGES', and 'L WIENER'.
Reverse
Coat of arms within wreath dividing value '2½ F.'. Motto in French 'L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE' above and year '1849' below.
Collector insights
- Series context: Part of the Standard circulation coins series — collectors typically assemble full-year date runs, so single years within an established series carry demand beyond raw mintage.
- Struck at: Royal Mint of Belgium, Brussels, Belgium. Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
- Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 801,139. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
- Precious metal content: Silver (.900) (10% copper) — bullion value provides a price floor, and many circulated examples were melted during the 1979–1980 and post-2010 silver spikes, reducing the surviving population.
- Catalogue reference: Listed as
KM#12, LA#BFM-123, Mor#48-50. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.
Curator Insights
Historical context
During the mid-19th century, Belgium solidified its monetary identity following the 1830 revolution. The 1849 issue of the 2½ Franc piece reflects the nation's adherence to the standards that would soon form the basis of the Latin Monetary Union. This denomination served as a bridge in the currency system before the eventual transition toward 2 and 5 Franc standards.
Design heritage
The obverse features the 'large head' portrait of King Leopold I in left profile, signed by Leopold Wiener. The reverse displays the Belgian coat of arms framed by a wreath, emphasizing the national motto 'L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE'. The composition is struck in .900 fine silver, consistent with contemporary European silver coinage requirements.
Varieties and technical notes
Collectors should inspect the reeded edge for consistency and the quality of the strike on the coat of arms. While no specific major die errors are officially recorded for this year, variations in strike depth often appear near the rim letters. The presence of the designer's signature 'L WIENER' is a standard tactical feature of the 1849 issue.
Survival and modern availability
With a mintage of 801,139 pieces, this coin is available to collectors but becomes increasingly scarce in higher grades due to heavy circulation. Many silver coins from this era were eventually melted during later currency reforms or during the metal shortages of the 20th century. High-quality specimens with original luster are particularly sought after by European crown-size collectors.
Related pieces
Explore more
Browse more items in the full catalog or view Belgium in the country guide.