🪙 About the 1975 Belgian 1 Franc

This coin belongs to Belgium’s pre-euro franc era, a period marked by strong industrial identity and a complex bilingual culture (Flemish and French). The reverse inscription “BELGIQUE” identifies it as the French-language variant, reflecting the nation’s dual heritage.

Specifications:

• Issuing Country: Belgium

• Denomination: 1 Franc

• Year: 1975

• Language Variant: French (BELGIQUE)

• Composition: Nickel

• Weight: 6.0 grams

• Diameter: 24 mm

• Edge: Smooth

• Obverse: Crowned monogram of King Baudouin (B)

• Reverse: Denomination, date, and the word BELGIQUE

🕰 Historical Insight

King Baudouin I reigned during a period of political balancing between Belgium’s linguistic communities. The country issued separate coin variants labeled “BELGIQUE” in French and “BELGIË” in Dutch. This bilingualism was unique in European coinage and reflects Belgium’s cultural structure.

💡 Collecting Note

This 1 franc coin is not just a unit of currency but a symbol of Belgian unity and complexity. While common, it's a meaningful representation of a pre-euro Europe and a valuable addition to collections focused on linguistic variants or European historical coins.