Coin

20 Francs - Léopold II heavy coarser beard (1870) — Belgium

Belgium • 1870 • KM# 32, LA# BFM-155 to 162, Delmonte G# 1294, Mor# 141, 142, etc.

20 Francs - Léopold II heavy coarser beard (1870) — Belgium

Overview

20 Francs - Léopold II heavy coarser beard. Gold coin from Belgium.

Specifications

Country
Belgium
Year
1870
Composition
Gold (.900) (10% copper)
Weight
6.452 g
Diameter
21 mm
Mint
Royal Mint of Belgium
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
References
KM# 32, LA# BFM-155 to 162, Delmonte G# 1294, Mor# 141, 142, etc.
Issuer
Belgium

Design details

Obverse

Head of King Leopold II facing right, surrounded by lettering in French. Date and designer below. Script: Latin Lettering: LEOPOLD II ROI DES BELGES L W 1867 Translation: Leopold II, King of the Belgians

Reverse

Crowned coat of arms of Belgium, motto in French above, value below. Script: Latin Lettering: L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE 20 FR. Unabridged legend: 20 Francs Translation: Unity Makes Strength

Collector insights

  • Design heritage: Léopold Wiener is credited as the designer for the Standard circulation coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: Royal Mint of 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 3,191,203. 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.
  • Gold issue: Gold (.900) (10% copper) — bullion demand competes with numismatic demand. Weight and fineness (not just face value) drive the melt-value floor.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM# 32, LA# BFM-155 to 162, Delmonte G# 1294, Mor# 141, 142, etc.. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

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