1956 Belgium 50 Francs

The 1956 Belgian 50 Francs coin stands out for its depiction of the Olympic torch, a design choice that directly nods to the Melbourne Games while incorporating the Belgian lion—a subtle fusion of local heraldry and international athletics.

Struck in silver at the Brussels mint, this commemorative piece was part of Belgium's effort to engage with postwar global events. The obverse shows the king's portrait, while the reverse features athletes in motion, all rendered with crisp detail that reflects the era's advancing minting techniques. Not every detail is clear; records on exact production numbers were spotty even back then.

Some collectors debate its rarity, but that's mostly hype. The coin's edge is reeded, a practical measure against clipping that worked as intended.

Oh, and if you think every Olympic coin is a winner, remember that not all medals are gold.