Belgium 500 Francs Gold

This Belgian 500 Francs coin, struck in 900 fine gold, served as a no-nonsense bullion option during the volatile gold markets of the 1980s and 1990s.

Weighing 17.05 grams with 15 grams of pure gold, it featured King Baudouin on the obverse and the Belgian coat of arms on the reverse. The design was functional, not flashy—minted at the Royal Belgian Mint for investment purposes. Production ran from 1980 to 1998, though exact annual figures are murky; records from that era weren't always kept with precision.

Some variants exist, like proof strikes, but they're uncommon. If you're handling one, check for wear on the edges; these saw heavy circulation in bullion trades.

Bullion coins like this get mistaken for rarities, but that's just hype.