World Coin of the Week: Superb Gem Belgian Congo 1887 Silver Type Set

By Greg Cohen, Professional Numismatist and Consignment Director, U.S. and World Coins

We are pleased to present this week’s World Coin of the Week: a wonderful 1887 silver type set of the Belgian Congo, all in superlative grades, with beautiful matching, light iridescent toning. This set must have remained together since the time of mintage, carefully stored until recently when they were submitted to PCGS for grading. Of the four coins in the set, three are graded MS-67+, while the remaining coin is in an MS-66+ encapsulation. Most are finest graded for their types at PCGS. Consisting of the 5 Francs, 2 Francs, Franc and 50 Centimes, these coins feature the bare headed portrait of Belgian King Leopold II facing left, and the Belgian Arms on the reverse. These attractive coins would make a wonderful addition to any modern world silver registry set.

Called the Congo Free State in 1887, the area was awarded to Leopold II in 1885 as part of the Berlin Conference, where he considered the territory as his own for exploitation. It was annexed to Belgium in 1908. The famous American, Henry Stanley, was one of the first western explorers to trek into the interior of the territory, and was commissioned by Leopold to make treaties with the local tribes.

This four-piece set is the finest set available for collectors, and should attract liberal bids. Although some may consider this set a little obscure, it is a wonderful opportunity for world collectors who demand the highest quality. Catalogs are currently in production so if you are not currently on our mailing list for World and Ancient coin catalogs, be sure to contact an auction services associate to add your name to our list. We hope to see you in Rosemont this summer if you plan on attending the ANA convention and auctions. If you cannot make it to Rosemont, be sure to try to attend viewing sessions in our Irvine, CA or New York City offices, and plan to bid online, by mail/FAX, or on the phone (by prior arrangement).

If you have a collection of world or ancient coins, we are currently accepting consignments to our November 2013 Baltimore, January 2014 New York International Numismatic Convention Sale, and our April 2014 Hong Kong auctions; please contact one of our consignment specialists today to discuss your coins/banknotes. We look forward to working with you.