Belgium 1 Franc

The Belgian 1 Franc coin, introduced in 1952, featured a portrait of King Baudouin I that was based on a design by the artist Marcel Bonnet, marking a subtle shift from the previous monarch's image.

This bronze piece was minted for everyday transactions, with variations in the reverse design over the years to include the national arms or simple value inscriptions. Production continued until 1980, though exact mintage figures for certain years remain unclear due to incomplete records from the Brussels mint. I’ve handled hundreds of these; they show wear quickly from constant use in markets and pockets.

The coin's diameter of 21 millimeters made it compact, fitting neatly into a purse or a child's hand for small purchases. Some years had edge lettering to deter counterfeiting, but it wasn't foolproof. As for myths, no, it wasn't made from melted-down church bells—that's just collector folklore. I once mistook one for a button in a jacket pocket; that's as exciting as it gets.