-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 27325
Checkout
The Belgium 10 centimes coin minted in 1861, cataloged as KM#22, is a significant historical numismatic artifact that offers insight into Belgium's mid-19th-century monetary system. Struck during the reign of King Leopold I, this coin is part of the foundational currency that helped stabilize the young Belgian nation following its independence from the Netherlands in 1830. The introduction of such coins was crucial in establishing a unified national identity and facilitating the burgeoning economy of a newly independent state.
The design of the 1861 10 centimes features a portrait of King Leopold I on the obverse, a common motif in the coinage of the period, which emphasizes the monarch's role in national unity and development. His image is detailed, showcasing the monarch's dignified profile, which aimed to instill a sense of stability and continuity in the Belgian populace. The reverse of the coin is straightforward yet functional, displaying the denomination surrounded by a wreath. This simple design reflects the practical economic purposes the coin served, facilitating everyday transactions in a growing industrial and commercial market.
The condition of this particular coin as Extra Fine (XF) indicates that it has retained much of its original detail with only slight wear on the highest points. This level of preservation is exceptional for a coin of this age, suggesting it saw limited circulation or was well cared for over the decades. Coins in XF condition are highly prized by collectors for their ability to convey the craftsmanship and aesthetic qualities of historical minting practices while still bearing marks of their use in the real world.
For packaging, a coin like the 1861 10 centimes in XF condition would typically be stored in a protective coin flip. These protective measures are essential to preserve the coin’s physical condition against environmental factors like air, moisture, and physical handling. For display purposes, such coins may be presented in numismatic displays that allow for visibility while protecting the coin from damage, thus maintaining its value and historical integrity.
The mintage of the 1861 10 centimes was reflective of the economic demands of an expanding industrial economy in Belgium. As one of the early adopters of the Industrial Revolution on the European continent, Belgium required a robust monetary system to support its complex economic activities. The circulation of coins like the 10 centimes facilitated this development, making them integral to daily economic transactions and the broader industrial growth of the nation.
An interesting aspect of Belgium in the early 1860s is its rapid industrialization and the development of its infrastructure, including railways and telegraph lines. This period was marked by significant social and economic changes, with the burgeoning industrial sectors fueling urban growth and increasing the demand for a stable and functional monetary system. The 10 centimes coin played a critical role in this transformative era, not just as a medium of exchange but also as a tool of economic policy that helped integrate various regions and sectors into a cohesive national economy.
In conclusion, the Belgium 10 centimes from 1861 in Extra Fine condition is not merely a transactional tool but a piece of historical testimony to Belgium's economic history and its development as a nation-state. For collectors and historians, this coin offers a tangible link to Belgium's past, encapsulating the economic, industrial, and political narratives of an era that was crucial to the shaping of modern Europe. It remains a valuable collector's item, appreciated not only for its aesthetic and historical significance but also for its role in the economic fabric of 19th-century Belgium.