Seated Lion Collection

Set Description
Just as it happened in the US some years later around 1900 there was an outrage about the poor quality of the designs of Belgian coins. New programs were set up to replace the old coinage, one was the introduction of holed coins of the Michaux type, see Michaux collection. To replace the silver coins a new design by Vinçotte was chosen. He had created a design of a seated lion with the constitutional tablet in front of it, adapted to coin by chief engraver Michaux at the Brussels mint. Patterns for the 2F, 1F and 50c denominations were struck in various metals and with minor differences (Dupriez 1330-1340). The 50c went in production but it was immediately clear that it was difficult to find the right pressure to become the rich relief quality of the patters. After its introduction it was clear that the relief was not high enough and the coins quickly became badly worn. As a result only the 50c piece was minted in French and Dutch languages in 1901 and the most beautiful design to appear on a Belgian coin was abandoned for technical reasons.

Set Goals
on the lookout for rare patterns and restrikes of these coins.