1970 Belgium 10 Francs

The 1970 Belgian 10 Francs was struck from aluminum-bronze planchets, a practical choice that kept production costs down amid global metal shortages.

That alloy gave the coin a golden hue, making it resemble more valuable pieces at a glance. On the obverse, it features King Baudouin's portrait, engraved with the crisp detail typical of Brussels Mint work. The reverse displays the denomination encircled by wheat ears, a nod to Belgium's agricultural roots, though by 1970, the country was more factory than farm.

Mintage numbers aren't precisely recorded; estimates suggest hundreds of thousands, but I wouldn't swear to it. These coins circulated widely, often ending up in pockets and purses across Europe.

It's the sort of piece that reminds you coins are tools, not treasures.