Obverse:
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of King Leopold III, depicted in a restrained and realistic style typical of late interwar European coinage. The legend includes the king’s name and royal title.

Reverse:
The reverse displays the denomination “25 CENTIMES”, flanked by the country names “BELGIE – BELGIQUE”, with the date 1938 below. The dual-language inscription symbolizes national unity in a linguistically divided country.

Specifications:

• Composition: Copper-nickel

• Weight: approx. 4.0 g

• Diameter: approx. 23 mm

• Shape: Round

• Edge: Plain

• Alignment: Medal (0°)

Historical Insight:
The coin was struck just one year before the outbreak of World War II. In 1938, Belgium was attempting to maintain neutrality amid growing tensions in Europe. King Leopold III would soon face one of the most controversial periods in Belgian history following the German invasion in 1940.

Collecting Note:
This issue is notable for its bilingual reverse, representing a mature stage of Belgian numismatic design. Coins from the late 1930s are historically significant as pre-war artifacts and are sought after by collectors focusing on interwar Europe, linguistic variants, or Belgian royal coinage.

📌 Category: 🇧🇪 Belgian – Franc Era (1832–2001)
🏷️ Suggested tags: Monarchy, Bilingual, Pre-WWII