Ruanda-Urundi 5 Centimes
Belgium
1916–1960
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$0.03
Based on Copper spot price ($6.06/oz) · 95.0% purity · 2.5g
Updated 10:39 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Belgium |
| Years Minted | 1916–1960 |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Plain |
Design
Obverse
Features the Belgian coat of arms with a crown and lion, surrounded by the inscription 'Ruanda-Urundi'.
Reverse
Displays the denomination '5 Centimes' and the year, with possible additional lettering.
History & Notable Facts
The Ruanda-Urundi 5 centimes coin was struck using bronze that Belgian authorities sourced from domestic smelters, a practical choice for a colony with limited local resources.
This design, featuring the Belgian coat of arms on the obverse and a simple value on the reverse, reflected the straightforward administrative approach of the era. Mintage figures vary by year, but records from the 1920s onward show production ramped up to meet everyday needs in the region. We don't know exactly how many ended up in circulation versus those lost to wear.
As for condition, most survivors show the patina of tropical use, with edges worn smooth from pocket change in humid climates. People sometimes claim these coins carried mystical properties in local folklore, but that's just another myth I've debunked over the years. Collectors might quibble over variants, but in truth, it's a modest piece from a forgotten corner of empire.
The series ended abruptly with independence in 1962, leaving these as quiet relics.
Buy on eBay
AI Analysis & Price Prediction
The Ruanda-Urundi 5 Centimes has shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. Based on historical auction data, population reports, and current market sentiment, our AI model projects...
Get AI-powered analysis for this coin
Unlock with Pro — $9.99/mo