2 Francs Belgium

The Belgian 2 Franc coin, struck in .835 fine silver from 1909 to 1940, managed to retain the same design through two world wars—a feat of stubborn consistency in a chaotic century.

That design, featuring King Albert I's profile on the obverse and the Belgian coat of arms on the reverse, was the work of designer Alphonse Michaux. The coin's weight hovered around 10 grams, depending on the year, but exact specifications sometimes varied with minting techniques. Not every year saw production; gaps occurred due to economic strains, like during the Great Depression.

Mintage numbers for specific years are spotty; records from the Brussels mint weren't always kept meticulously. In 1914, as German forces advanced, some coins were still struck, blending normalcy with crisis. It's a reminder that even currency doesn't escape history's grip.

Even numismatists get tired of coins that outlast their creators.