Yesterday I received the new silver 20 euro coin, commemorating the canonization of Father Damien, now patron saint of the lepers and aids-patients. He is depicted together with his birth house at Tremelo, Belgium and the St. Philomenachurch at Kalawao, Molokai, Hawaii Mintage is 15,000 Design by Luk Luyckx In the same package was the new coin of the Belgian Dynasty series, depicting king Leopold III (1934-1951) This tiny coin (1,25 gram of 0.999 gold) has a mintage of 5,000
I see they've forgiven Leopold III, who let the Nazis in with open arms in 1940. He was only king in name from 1940 to 1951, and the people of Belgium hated him. It would be interesting if Canada, with ITs "royalty series" would have a picture of the traitor-king Edward VIII.
In reality they put him on a very small coin with a very small mintage, perhaps knowing that it would not sell well. His position in history is questionable, but at least Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands spoke to her people via radio often and encouraged resistance to the oppressors. She also had a very long reign, and lots of great coins - including gold to collect.
Belgian Hi Bart, I saw Belgian and decided to see what you had to say. I just joined this forum today. I too am from Belgium. I have lived in Toronto most of my life. My parents have visited Belgium many times in the past 25-30 years. My father recently gave me a bag of coins. They are from Belgium when he travelled there during those years, so I am not sure what they are worth if anything. Mixed in are other coins from other countries. I didnt really take a close look, but the coins are all different sizes. Not familiar with the Eurocoins at all, sounds like you are a pro when it comes to coins. Hm, I just realized that my dad gave me a special mint coin years ago. I will check it out and get back to you. I will sort out all the Belgium coins too and make a list of what I have. Maybe you can help me? I have a very small collection of Canadian coins too. Hope to chat again.
I wouldn't say the people of Belgium hated him; a part of the population did. In fact, he was regarded a hero after his decision to surrender to the German troops (which was against the advise of hist general staff) as it prevented a real slaughter of what remained of the Belgian troops. As he was captured by the Germans, he stayed in Germany as a prisoner (he never served as a puppet king for the Nazis). It was only when he married Lilian Baels during the war, he became unpopular (mostly in Wallonia). Public opinion thought it was unwise for the king to marry when his people was suffering under the Nazi-regime. As there were already some problems between the government and the king, which dated from before the war, the government decided after the war it would be bettter if he stayed in exile in Switzerland. He brother Charles of Flanders was appointed prince-regent. In 1950 there was a plebiscite about his return to the country, which he won. The majority (mostly Flemish) wanted him back. But, as the plebiscite was followed by heavy riots, especially in regions which voted against him, which resulted in the death of some people, Leopold III decided to abdicate in favor of his son Baudouin. Baudouin, who hadn't reached the age of 21 at the time, became Royal Prince until his 21st birthday, when he became king.
