Expert: Brad Swain - 6/20/2010

Question
QUESTION: I was looking through some change when I came across a coin that I've never seen before. It was a five cent coin from Belgium. It says L' Union fait la force on it. The date is 1817. It has a lion with a grave stone beside it. It is about the size of a quarter. Do you know how much It might be worth?

Thanks, Ned

ANSWER: Hi Ned, the actual date is at the bottom of the other side.
With more info I'll be glad to help further.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The date 1817 is from the other side of the coin that has a crown and says Leopold Premier Roi Des Belges

Answer
Hi Ned, the 1817 date is when the Belgians tried to separate from the Netherlands but failed.
Independence was in 1830 and the first coins weren't dated until 1833. Your date must be worn off which would make collector value little or nothing.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad

http://worldcoingallery.com/countries/Belgium.php