closed Belgium 20 Francs 1865 – Léopold I – First King of the Belgians – Year of Death – LMU Gold – £295 Plus Postage – UK 🇬🇧

**DuncanWylieWilson** · October 16, 2021

🌟🇧🇪 For sale here is a lovely Belgian 20 Francs 1865 gold LMU coin! 🇧🇪🌟

Featuring First King of the Belgians Léopold I on the obverse, this 156 year-old coin was minted the year of the First King's death and is, in keeping with all LMU gold coins of the 20 denomination, comprised of 6.4516 g of .900 gold.

Léopold I of Belgium reigned from July 1831 until his death in December 1865 at the age of 74. He was the youngest son of Duke Francis of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld and fought against Napoleon when French troops seized Saxe-Coburg during the Napoleonic Wars. Léopold I was serving a commission in the Imperial Russian Army during this time. Upon the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, Léopold I moved to the United Kingdom and married Princess Charlotte of Wales who, at that time, was second in line to the British throne. After only a year of marriage to Léopold I, Charlotte passed away. Léopold I, sad but undeterred, resided in the United Kingdom where he continued to enjoy immense status.

After the Greek War of Independence, Léopold I was offered the throne of Greece. Believing the position to be unstable and, therefore, personally untenable, Léopold I instead opted to accept the throne of Belgium in 1831 following their independence in 1830. Léopold I was offered the throne of Belgium on the basis of his considerable status, military accomplishments and deep diplomatic connections with the many houses of royalty across monarchistic Europe.

Like all gold coins of the Latin Monetary Union (LMU), this piece is steeped in history. The coin is present in a strong, collectible grade and has never been cleaned, conserved or otherwise tampered with. While there is dirt in the more intricate details of this piece, this is simply testament to its age, level of use and, indeed, the fact it has been left to be! In my opinion, this is for the best. Coins are best left alone. Each tells its own tale!

There is residual lustre around the lettering and between the wreath design on the reverse. There is minimal wear on the high points, with the details in Léopold I's hair being sharp and well defined, as well as the high point of his cheekbone being rounded and unworn.

There are no edge-knocks on this piece. In fact,, the edge and the lettering with which it is nicely complemented are present in very appealing condition.

All-in-all, this is a splendid little example and would make an excellent addition to any world gold collection.

The melt value on this piece is currently just over £240 and additional details and specifications can be read on Numista here: https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces11103.html

Sale price is £295 plus postage at buyer's cost, choice and risk.

Payment via bank transfer to UK business bank account.

Comment here or PM me to pick this lovely piece up for yourself today!

Thank you! 🌟