Belgium. Albert I. 1 Franc 1931 FR - KEY DATE - EXTREMELY RARE

BELGIUM - Kingdom - Albert I

1 Franc - nickel - Brussels Mint - 1931 FR - mintage: unknown - key date

Obverse: A kneeling woman, allegorically for wounded Belgium, with the legend in French above and the engraver's name to the left.

O/legend: ❀ BELGIQUE ❀ / BONNETAIN

Reverse: Caduceus divides value with text in French above and date below.

R/legend: ❀ BON POUR ❀ / ❀ 1 - F ❀ / ❀ 19 - 31 ❀

Edge: reeded

Coin alignment: normal

Weight: 5 g

Diameter: Ø 23 mm (maximum)

Condition: slabbed and graded by NGC 8234979-004 as AU DETAILS cleaned

Condition remark: In our personal professional opinion this coin has not been cleaned and does not show the usual traces of such. However, we defer to NGC's assessment and leave the final decision to the buyer.

References: LA#BFM-95; Morin 405; Dupriez (-); Gallez Type 335, 1931-1; KM#89; iBelgica Bertrand M-109

Rarity index: R3

Remarks: The exact mintage for this year is unknown but without any doubt very low. Dupriez only mentions a proof strike “essai” in copper (Dupriez 2437) and a proof strike “essai” in matt bronze (Dupriez 2438). This example in nickel is only mentioned in the more recent catalogues. According to the iBelgica online catalogue, the date 1931 was not officially released into circulation. This piece is extremely rare and is seldom offered for sale in auctions or in the trade, and is missing from most major collections.

(N604B)