1886 Belgium 5 Francs

The 1886 Belgian 5 Francs coin was minted as part of the Latin Monetary Union, allowing it to be used interchangeably with French francs and other allied currencies across borders. This made it a practical tool for trade during Belgium's colonial push into Africa. Struck in Brussels from 0.835 fine silver, the coin features King Leopold II's portrait on the obverse and the Belgian coat of arms on the reverse.

Design-wise, the obverse shows Leopold facing right, his features etched with the stern detail typical of that era's engraving. The reverse includes the denomination encircled by a wreath, a nod to classical influences. Mintage figures for 1886 are unclear; records from the Brussels mint were spotty even then.

Some speculate the silver came from European sources, but that's unconfirmed. As for jokes, calling it the "colonial connector" might stretch it, but there you have it.