1965 Belgium 10 Francs

The 1965 Belgian 10 Francs coin was struck as a commemorative for the 135th anniversary of Belgium's independence, yet it entered general circulation, which is unusual for such issues.

This meant it rubbed shoulders with everyday transactions, from market stalls to pocket change. The obverse shows King Baudouin's portrait, while the reverse features the Belgian lion and the date, all in a nickel alloy that held up surprisingly well against wear.

One detail that's often overlooked: the edge inscription includes the French and Dutch mottos, a nod to the country's bilingual reality. Mintage figures are murky; records from that era aren't always reliable.

Historians might quibble over the exact significance, but it's a straightforward piece of metal with a date.