Belgium, GHENT - German Occupation 1915 2 Franks

May 2024

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Emergency money for Belgium and the Flemish Ghent (Gent) region during WWI German occupation (1915 - 1918). Designed by the famous sculptor Georges Verbanck. These were somehow used/issued by the Germans to encourage the Flemish separatist movement from Belgium. Beautiful execution of an iron planchet layered with brass and copper here the color is a bit off). Other denominations exist in this series (1 Frank, 50 Centimes), some are round. There seems to be a wide variation of prices asked for these in the European market. I've seen asking prices of over $500 (high grade). Generally, I'd say paying more than about $100 would be a mistake. Half that amount is about right and the various denominations, shapes, etc. seem to be equally available.
An iron coin with bras plating on the obverse and copper on the reverse to help prevent counterfeiting. In the series the 2 Franken is the most common and doesn't seem to have any varieties available.
Year and value within circle and diamond. Lettering along edges, in Dutch above, in French below.
Lettering:
UITBETAALBAAR OP 1 JANUARIJ 1918
1915 2 FR
REMBOURSABLE LE 1 JANVIER 1918
Translation:
Refundable on January 1, 1918
1915 2 Francs
Refundable on January 1, 1918
VIEW & DOWNLOAD:
Here's a link to the article I wrote for the "NI Bulletin" [Sep/Oct 2023], the bimonthly publication of Numismatics International. It explores the conditions of the WWI minting of these unusual emergency coins of Ghent, Belgium - click this: [ link ]