I picked out a bunch of foreign coins from a bucket at a local shop including a 1938 Belgium 5 Franc coin. I was wondering if anyone knew how to tell if the legend was in Dutch or French? If it is in Dutch does anyone know the approximate mintage number? I uploaded a few photos but they may be grainy as my camera is terrible. Thanks!
Like many Belgian coins, the legend on yours is in both Dutch (Belgie) and French (Belgique), the two official languages of the country. In other years coins were separately minted in each language. You have KM#117.1, 117.2 or 117.3. There should be lettering and symbols on the edge, which would help determine the exact ID.
thanks for the info! Looks like the sides are milled with the writing Belgie Belgique separated by a crown.
Your coin is the Dutch version because it begins with the Dutch name of the country, Belgie. The French Begins with Belgique. In other words: Belgie-Belgique = Dutch Belgique-Belgie = French
