20 Francs Leopold II (Belgium) - Gold - Various years

20 Belgian Francs (gold) - A historic investment coin

The Belgian 20 franc Louis d'or coin is a true numismatic treasure and a sought-after investment for collectors. This historic gold coin, minted with a purity of 90% (21.6 carats), contains 5.8 grams of pure gold and is a must-have classic in the world of numismatics.

What is the value of a Belgian 20 franc coin?

The value of a Belgian 20 franc coin depends mainly on its condition, rarity, and the period during which it was minted. The Belgian 20 franc coin, or Belgian Louis d'or, has an intrinsic value linked to its gold content (5.8 grams of pure gold at 900/1000).

For collectors, certain versions are particularly sought after:

• Coins minted during the reign of Leopold I (1865-1866) are extremely rare, with only 1,548,000 copies produced.
• The coins of Albert I (1914) are exceptional, with a limited mintage of 250,000 copies.

Beyond its gold value, this coin therefore benefits from a numismatic premium that varies depending on the year of issue and its condition.

The 20 Belgian francs coin of Leopold I (1865-1866)

The 20 Belgian francs coins featuring Leopold I are the oldest and rarest versions. Initially minted in 1865, the year of the king's death, and then in 1866, they are the only gold coins produced during his reign (1831-1865). Their numismatic value is generally higher than that of other versions due to their rarity.

The 20 Belgian francs coin of Leopold II (1867–1882)

There are two distinct versions of Leopold II coins:

• The first portrait (1867–1870)
• The second slightly modified portrait (1870–1882)

These coins are more common than those of Leopold I, but certain vintages remain sought after by collectors.

The 20 Belgian francs coin of Albert I (1914)

The coins of Albert I, minted only in 1914 at the start of the First World War, are recognizable by the effigy of the king in military uniform. They exist in two language versions (French and Dutch), which is a first in Belgian monetary history. Their limited production (250,000 copies) makes them particularly sought-after coins.

What is the value of a 20-franc coin?

The value of a Belgian 20 franc coin varies depending on several factors:

1. Gold value: Based on the current price of gold, this value constitutes the minimum price of the coin (5.8g of pure gold at 900/1000).
2. Numismatic premium: Additional value linked to rarity and historical interest
3. Condition: A coin in "mint condition" (never circulated) is worth significantly more than a worn coin.
4. Vintage: Certain years of minting are rarer and therefore more valuable.

The 20 Belgian francs represent not only a tangible investment in gold, but also a historical heritage that bears witness to Belgium's monetary history before the abandonment of the gold standard following the First World War.

What is the value of a Belgian 20 franc coin from 1870?

The Belgian 20 franc coins from 1870 are of particular interest because they mark the transition between the two versions of Leopold II's portrait. This pivotal year saw the introduction of the second portrait, featuring a longer beard and a thicker neck.

The value of a coin from 1870 depends mainly on two factors:

• The type of portrait (first or second version)
• State of preservation

In good condition, a 20 Belgian franc coin from 1870 is worth more than its gold content, particularly for collectors looking to complete a series or obtain both portrait variants from that specific year.

Technical characteristics of the Belgian 20 franc coin

Composition and weight

• Gold content: 900/1000 (21.6 karats)
• Total weight: 6.45 grams
• Pure gold content: 5.8 grams
• Alloy: Gold and copper (giving it its characteristic light orange color)

Dimensions

• Diameter: 21.20 mm
• Thickness: 1.30 mm

Visual characteristics

Depending on the version, the coin has different characteristics:

• Leopold I: Portrait of the king with inscription "Leopold First King of the Belgians" and signature of the engraver L. Wiener
• Leopold II: Two different portraits depending on the period, with coat of arms on the reverse
• Albert I: Portrait in military uniform, available in French and Dutch versions

The Belgian 20 franc Louis d'or is not only an excellent way to diversify your assets thanks to its gold content, but also a coin with a rich history that spans Belgian history from 1865 to 1914.