Silver coins were in regular circulation in Belgium. The values below represent the intrinsic value of silver coins from Belgium.
Belgium silver coins that are in uncirculated condition, or that may be rare and collectible may also have numismatic value. You can use this table as a guide when buying and selling circulated silver coins from Belgium.
The melt values are calculated and displayed in USD based on the today's silver spot price of $30.02 per troy ounce.
Denomination / Currency | Years Minted | Fineness | Gross Weight (g) | ASW (g) | ASW (oz t) | Melt Value |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
50 Centimes | 1901- 1914 | .835 | 2.5 | 2.09 | .0671 | $2.01 |
1 Franc | 1904- 1918 | .835 | 5 | 4.18 | .1342 | $4.03 |
2 Francs | 1904- 1912 | .835 | 10 | 8.35 | .2685 | $8.06 |
20 Francs | 1933- 1935 | .680 | 11 | 7.48 | .2405 | $7.22 |
20 Francs | 1949- 1955 | .835 | 8 | 6.68 | .2148 | $6.45 |
50 Francs | 1935 | .680 | 22 | 14.96 | .481 | $14.44 |
50 Francs | 1939- 1940 | .835 | 20 | 16.70 | .5369 | $16.12 |
50 Francs | 1948- 1960 | .835 | 12.5 | 10.44 | .3356 | $10.07 |
100 Francs | 1948- 1951 | .835 | 18 | 15.03 | .4832 | $14.51 |
250 Francs | 1976 | .835 | 25 | 20.88 | .6711 | $20.15 |
500 Francs | 1990 | .833 | 22.85 | 19.03 | .612 | $18.37 |
After gaining independence in 1830, Belgium introduced its own currency, the Belgian Franc, in 1832. Silver coins were a significant part of this new currency system, with denominations such as 1, 2, 2.5, and 5 francs being minted in silver.
In 1865, Belgium became a founding member of the Latin Monetary Union, an agreement that standardized the silver and gold coinage of several European countries. Belgian silver coins conformed to the standards set by this union, ensuring their acceptance across member countries.
During World War I and World War II, the production of silver coins was affected significantly. The economic turmoil and the occupation by foreign forces led to a reduction in the minting of silver coins. Post-war, the use of silver in coinage declined further due to rising costs and the introduction of cheaper metals.
By the mid-20th century, the use of silver in everyday coinage had largely been phased out in favor of base metals like nickel and copper. This shift was driven by the increasing price of silver and changing economic conditions.
In recent years, silver coins in Belgium are primarily issued as commemorative pieces rather than for general circulation. These coins celebrate various historical events, cultural milestones, and notable figures in Belgian history.