Belgium, Leopold III, 40 Francs
1935 - Brussels - Pattern - Silver - NGC - MS62
PLEASE NOTE: this collector's item is unique. We therefore cannot guarantee its availability over time and recommend that you do not delay too long in completing your purchase if you are interested.
Denomination divided by winged Saint Michael, standing facing on a dragon, in armor, holding a shield in his left hand and brandishing a sword in his rigth hand, legend around.
View of the Brussels Expo, two dates above, event name above.
Graded NGC MS 62. This rare 40 Franc pattern was struck in 0.680 silver in 1935, during the reign of Leopold III. It was produced following the decree of December 20, 1934, which intended to issue a coin to celebrate the centenary of Belgian railroads and the Universal Exhibition to be held in Brussels. Only around 15 examples were minted before another decree, dated June 1, 1935, changed the denomination from 40 to 50 francs. The main features of the two denominations have remained unchanged. Palais n°5 (today's Brussels Expo), located on the Heysel plateau, was set up as a railway station for the Universal Exhibition held between April 27 and November 23, 1935. As for the centenary of Belgian railroads, it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first line, which linked Brussels to Mechelen and was inaugurated on May 5, 1835. Our example features the ridged edge characteristic of the patterns and is adorned with a beautiful dark patina with slight iridescent highlights. It has, however, shifted in its slab and is consequently slightly askew.
· ROYAUME DE BELGIQUE · EXPOSITION - DE BRUXELLES
CENTENAIRE DES CHEMINS DE FER BELGES / 1835 - 1935
22 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
