Belgium Euro Coins

The Belgian Mint of reference is that of Brussels until 2017, however, the mint's symbol only appears in 2008.
After the closure of the Brussels Mint in 2017, from 2018 onwards, it will be the Utrecht Mint that will handle the issuance of Euros for Belgium.

Now let's look at the various Mint Directors who have succeeded each other over the years, this is important because each Director has signed their issues with differing symbols, which is why the coins may be slightly different year after year.

Let's see the symbols chosen by the various directors:

• Romain Coenen was Director in Brussels from 1999 to 2009, his symbol appears in 2008 and is a Scale.
• Serge Lesens has as his symbol a Feather and his direction of the Brussels Mint lasts from 2010 to 2012.
• From 2013 to 2016, it is the turn of Director Bernard Gillard who chooses as his symbol a Cat.
• In 2017, production moves to the Utrecht Mint and the direction is under Ingrid van Herzele whose symbol is the Coat of Arms of Herzele, a municipality in Flanders.

Here is the reason for so many series for Belgium.
Now let's take a look at the coins one by one!

Here is the first coin, the 1 Euro Cent Belgium First Series, minted in 1999/2007.
The designer is Jan Alfons Keustermas.
The mint is located in Brussels.

On the Obverse, we see the profile of King Albert II wearing glasses, at the center of the coin, looking to the left. Surrounding him are the 12 stars of the European Union arranged in a circle, which is completed by the year of minting at the bottom and the King's monogram on the right, an A with a Crown above it.

On the Reverse, there is the Common Side that is the same for all Eurozone countries.

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 2.30 grams
• Diameter: 16.25 millimeters
• Edge: The edge is Smooth
• Designer: Jan Alfons Keustermas
• Orientation: German

The 1 Euro Cent Belgium Second Series coin was issued in 2008 and differs from the first series in several details:

On the Obverse, below the profile of King Albert II, inside the circle, is the year of minting and to the right is the King's monogram, the crowned A.
The portrait changes slightly, appearing more youthful, with slight changes to the hair at the nape and forehead, changes to the chin, and tiny other details. (However, starting from the following year, the previous version of the portrait is restored).

Additionally, other symbols appear, the first being the indication of the Belgian state BE under the Crowned A, in compliance with the European Commission's 2005 guidelines that required the name of the issuing state or its symbol to be included on the National Side of the coin, as in this case.
Furthermore, the 12 stars of the European Union, from 2008, must necessarily form a closed circle without interruptions.

On either side of the year of minting, symbols make their first appearance:

• On the right, the Mint's symbol, the Archangel Gabriel with a Cross above.
• On the left, the Scales, symbol of the Mint Director Romain Coenen.

On the Reverse, the Common Side remains unchanged from the previous version.

Here are the technical specifications of the coin:

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 2.30 grams
• Diameter: 16.25 millimeters
• Edge: The edge is Smooth
• Designer: Jan Alfons Keustermas
• Axis: German style

Here we have the 1 Euro Cent Belgium Third Series, minted in 2009/2013.

On the Obverse, the effigy of King Albert II is restored, the one used until 2007, with the Crowned A on the right and below the initials of Belgium BE. Below the year of minting is the symbol of the Brussels Mint, the Archangel Gabriel with the Cross above. On the right is the mint mark. The Feather for Serge Lesens (2009/2012) and the Cat for Bernard Gillard (2013)

The Reverse remains unchanged, that is, the same Common Side which is identical for all 1 euro cent coins.

Here are the technical specifications:

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 2.30 grams
• Diameter: 16.25 millimeters
• Edge: The edge is Smooth
• Designer: Jan Alfons Keustermas
• Axis: German

King Albert II abdicates on July 21, 2013, in favor of King Philippe, his son, thus changing the effigy of the 1 Euro Cent Fourth Series, designed by Luc Luycx and minted in 2014 in Brussels.

On the Obverse, the profile of King Philippe looking to the right, surrounded by the 12 stars of the European Union.

To the left, the symbol of Belgium BE and above the monogram of King Philippe, which is a crown with the intertwined letters F and P. F stands for the name Filip in Flemish and P stands for Philippe in French.

Below the neck, the mint year is engraved with to the right:

• 2014/2017 – the Archangel Gabriel with a cross above, symbol of the Brussels Mint.
• 2018 – The mint symbol changes with the closure of the Brussels Mint and the transition to the Utrecht Mint which chooses the symbol of the Winged Caduceus.

To the left of the mint year, there is:

• The Cat as the symbol of Mint Director Bernard Gillard from 2014 to 2016.
• the Coat of Arms of Herzele in 2017 when Ingrid van Herzele takes over the direction.

The Reverse remains unchanged with the usual Common Side.

Features and details:

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 mm
• Weight: 2.3 grams
• Diameter: 16.25 mm
• Edge: Smooth
• Designer: Luc Luycx
• Axes: German / Medal

Let’s start now with the first series of the 2 Euro cent coins. Here is indeed the first: 2 Euro Cents Belgium First Series, minted from 1999 to 2007.
The mint is Brussels and the author is Jan Alfons Keustermas.

On the Obverse, we see the profile of Albert II King of Belgium. Surrounding it are the twelve stars of the European Union arranged in a circle, which is interrupted at the bottom by the mint year and on the right by the monogram of King Albert II, the monogram is an A topped by a Crown.

On the Reverse, there is the Common Side of the 2 Euro cent coins from all Eurozone countries.

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 3.06 grams
• Diameter: 18.75 millimeters
• Edge: Horizontal line in incuse
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

The 2 Euro Cents Belgium Second Series coin was issued in 2008, and it is a variant of the first series where some details change:

The Reverse is the Common Side which is the same for all 2 euro cent coins circulating in the Eurozone.

On the Obverse, the National Side, the profile of King Albert II is inscribed within a circle that also contains the year of minting at the bottom and the King's monogram on the right (A crowned). The portrait differs slightly from the previous version, appearing more youthful; the changes include: the hair, slightly at the nape and forehead, the chin, and very small other details.
However, the new version has a short life, as already from the following year, 2009, the previous version of the portrait is restored, which is less youthful but more fitting to the figure of the King.

New symbols also appear, the first being: the indication of the Belgian state BE placed below the A crowned on the right. This detail is added to comply with the guidelines given by the European Commission in 2005, which requested that the National Side of the coin also indicate the name of the issuing state or at least its symbol.

Another change is that the 12 stars of the European Union now form an uninterrupted circle, a change made to comply with official guidelines. Indeed, from 2008, the twelve stars were required to form a closed circle without any interruption.

There is also a novelty to the right and left of the year of minting where new symbols appear:

• On the right, the Mint mark appears, which is the stylization of the Archangel Gabriel with a Cross above it.
• On the left, a Balance appears, which is the symbol of the Mint Director Romain Coenen.

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 3.06 grams
• Diameter: 18.75 millimeters
• Edge: Horizontal milled
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

This is the 2 Cents Euro Belgium Third Series coin, minted in 2009/2013.

On the Reverse, it remains unchanged from previous versions.

On the Obverse, it returns to the effigy of King Albert II from the first version, which was used until 2007. On the right, the A Coronata is engraved with the letters BE below as the abbreviation for Belgium. Below is the year of minting, to its left is the Archangel Gabriel with the Cross above as the symbol of the Brussels Mint. On the right, there is the mint mark that changes depending on the mint director: the Feather for Serge Lesens from 2009 to 2012 and the Cat for Bernard Gillard in 2013.

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 3.06 grams
• Diameter: 18.75 millimeters
• Edge: Horizontal line in incuse
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

The most significant change occurs with the Fourth Series, due to the fact that King Albert II abdicates in favor of his son, King Philippe, on July 21, 2013. Therefore, the effigy of the 2 Euro Cents Belgium Fourth Series coin is redesigned by Luc Luycx and minted in 2014 at the Brussels mint.

On the Obverse, the profile of King Philippe is shown facing right, surrounded by the 12 stars of the European Union.

The symbol of Belgium BE with the monogram of King Philippe above it, along with the crown featuring the intertwined letters F and P, is located on the left.

Below the King's collar is the year of minting with a mintmark to the right that changes depending on the year:

• from 2014 to 2017 – the Archangel Gabriel under the cross as the symbol of the Brussels mint.
• In 2018 – The Brussels mint closes and moves to the Utrecht mint, thus the symbol becomes the Winged Caduceus.

To the left of the year of minting is the symbol of the Mint Director:

• A Cat for Mint Director Bernard Gillard (2014 to 2016).
• A Coat of Arms of Herzele in 2017 under the direction of Ingrid van Herzele.

On the Reverse, the Common Side, which is common to all Eurozone countries.

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 3.06 grams
• Diameter: 18.75 millimeters
• Edge: Horizontal milled
• Author: Luc Luycx

Here we are at the first series of the 5 cents euro coins. In the image, the 5 Cents Euro Belgium First Series, minted from 1999 to 2007 at the Brussels mint. The author is Jan Alfons Keustermas.

On the Obverse, as with the 1 and 2 euro cent coins, there is the profile of Albert II, King of Belgium, inscribed within a circle. Surrounding the entire coin are the 12 stars of the European Union forming a circle, interrupted only by the year of minting at the bottom and to the right by the monogram of King Albert II, an A topped with a Crown.

On the Reverse, the Common Side of the 5 cents coins is the same for all Eurozone countries.

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 3.92 grams
• Diameter: 21.25 millimeters
• Edge: Smooth
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

The 5 Cents Euro Belgium Second Series coin was issued in 2008 and is a variant of the previous series, with some details changing that we will now see:

On the Reverse, nothing changes; it features the Common Side identical for all 5 cent euro coins from all Eurozone countries.

However, on the Obverse, there are modifications; the profile of King Albert II is located within the circle along with the year of minting at the bottom and the King's monogram with the Crowned A to the right. The figure of the King is slightly different from the previous version. It appears more youthful, with changes to: the hair on the forehead and neck, the chin, and other small details.
The new version does not gain much popularity, and starting from 2009, the original portrait version is restored.

New symbols also appear: the indication of the Belgian state BE is inserted below the Crowned A on the right. This indication was added to comply with the new 2005 regulations from the European Commission, which required that the National Sides of coins also indicate the name of the State they refer to or at least a recognizable symbol related to the issuing State of the coins.

Another change concerns the twelve stars of the European Union, which form a continuous circle, in compliance with the new guidelines from 2008 that require an uninterrupted closed circle formed by the 12 stars (symbol of the Eurozone countries).

Another novelty is that new symbols appear to the right and left of the year of minting:

• On the right, the symbol of the Archangel Gabriel appears with the Cross above, the symbol of the Mint.
• On the left, the Scales appear, symbol of Romain Coenen, Director of the Mint.

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 3.92 grams
• Diameter: 21.25 millimeters
• Edge: Smooth
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

Here we are with the 5 Cents Euro Belgium Third Series coin, minted in 2009/2013.

The 5 Cents Euro Belgium Second Series was issued in 2008 and is a variant of the previous series, with some details changing that we will now see:

On the Reverse, nothing changes; it is the Common Side identical for all 5 cent euro coins from all Eurozone countries.

However, on the Obverse, there are modifications; the profile of King Albert II is located within the circle along with the year of minting at the bottom, and the King's monogram with the Crowned A is found on the right. The figure of the King is slightly different from the previous version. It appears more youthful, with changes to: the hair on the forehead and neck, the chin, and other small details.
The new version does not gain much popularity, and from 2009 the original portrait version is restored.

New symbols also appear: under the Crowned A on the right, the indication of the Belgian state BE is inserted. This indication is added to comply with the new 2005 regulations from the European Commission, which required that the National Sides of all coins also indicate the name of the State they refer to or at least a recognizable symbol.

Another change concerns the twelve stars of the European Union that form a continuous circle, in accordance with the new 2008 guidelines that want an uninterrupted closed circle formed by the 12 stars.

Another novelty is that to the right and left of the year of minting, new symbols appear:

• On the right, the symbol of the Archangel Gabriel appears with the Cross above, the symbol of the Mint.
• On the left, the Scales appear, symbol of Romain Coenen, Director of the Mint.

The Reverse remains unchanged compared to previous series.

However, on the Obverse, it returns to the effigy of King Albert II from the original version of 2007. To the right of the portrait, the Crowned A is engraved with the letters BE below, indicating Belgium. Below the King's neck is the year of minting with the Archangel Gabriel with the Cross (symbol of the Brussels Mint) to its left. On the right, there is the mint mark that varies depending on the current director; we can find the Feather for Serge Lesens, Director from 2009 to 2012, and the Cat for Bernard Gillard, Mint Director in 2013.

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 3.92 grams
• Diameter: 21.25 millimeters
• Edge: Smooth
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

It is with the Fourth series that the most significant change occurs!
In fact, due to the fact that on July 21, 2013, King Albert II abdicates in favor of King Philippe, his son, the effigy of the 5 Cents Euro Fourth Series, designed by Luc Luycx, must be changed and minted at the Brussels mint in 2014.

On the Obverse, there is the new effigy of King Philippe looking to the right, with the 12 stars of the European Union surrounding it in a circle.

To the left is the symbol of Belgium BE just below the monogram of King Philippe, a logo formed by a crown with the two letters F and P intertwined.

Below the portrait of the King, in the central part, is the year of minting, to the right of the year is the Mint mark which varies based on the years:

• 2014 / 2017 – the Archangel Gabriel with a cross (Symbol of the Brussels Mint).
• 2018 – the Winged Caduceus, symbol of the Utrecht Mint.

To the left of the year, there is the symbol of the Mint Director:

• The Cat is the symbol of the Mint Director Bernard Gillard (from 2014 to 2016).
• The Coat of Arms of Herzele in 2017 is the symbol of the direction of Ingrid van Herzele.

• Materials: Copper-plated steel
• Thickness: 1.67 millimeters
• Weight: 3.92 grams
• Diameter: 21.25 millimeters
• Edge: Smooth
• Author: Luc Luycx

Here we are with the first coin in Nordic Gold, the first of the 10 euro cents series: 10 Euro Cents Belgium First Series, a coin that was minted from 1999 until 2007.
Coin minted in Brussels and designed by the author Jan Alfons Keustermas.

On the Obverse, the profile of the then King of Belgium, Albert II, is engraved within a circle. Surrounding it are 12 stars symbolizing the European Union that form a circle interrupted only by the year of minting and the King's monogram, which is a A topped with a Crown.

The Reverse features the Common Side for all 10 euro cent coins from Eurozone countries.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 1.93 mm
• Weight: 4.1 g
• Diameter: 18.75 mm
• Edge: Thick milling
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

This is the 10 Euro Cents Belgium Second Series coin, issued in 2007. The National Side remains unchanged from the previous version, what changes is the Common Side.

In fact, we see that on the Reverse the new map of the Eurozone countries has appeared, a map with all the countries united and no longer separated as in the previous design.

On the Obverse, it remains unchanged. We find the profile of KING Albert II facing left within a circle, while along the outer crown of the coin there are 12 stars interrupted only by the year of minting and the king's monogram, the A with crown.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 1.93 mm
• Weight: 4.1 g
• Diameter: 18.75 mm
• Edge: Thick milling
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

However, in 2008, a new version of the National Side is issued, and the 10 Cents Euro Belgium Third Series is released.
What changes?

Another change is related to the stars of the European Union, which now form a closed circle; the 2008 guidelines indeed require that the 12 stars form an unbroken circle.

On the Obverse, the profile of King Albert looking to the left is inscribed within the circle; inside the circle, the year of minting and the King's monogram, composed of a crowned A, are also engraved. The profile of the King is slightly different from the previous version. It appears more youthful, but what has changed?: the hair on the nape and forehead, the chin area, and a few other small details.

New symbols also appear: below the Crowned A on the right, the indication of the State of Belgium BE is added. This indication is included in compliance with the new regulations introduced in 2005 by the European Commission. These regulations require the indication of the name of the State on the National Side or at least a symbol attributable to the State itself.

Another modification is the appearance of new symbols to the right and left of the year of minting:

• On the right, the symbol of the Mint is engraved, the Archangel Gabriel with the Cross above it.
• On the left, there is a Balance, which is the emblem of the Mint Director Romain Coenen.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 1.93 mm
• Weight: 4.1 g
• Diameter: 18.75 mm
• Edge: Thick milling
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

10 Cents Euro Fourth Series, designed by Luc Luycx and minted at the Brussels mint in 2014. With the Fourth series, the effigy and the King change. In fact, on July 21, 2013, KING Albert II abdicated in favor of KING Philippe, his son, thus giving rise to a new series of Euro.

On the Obverse, the profile of KING Philippe looking to the right with the 12 stars of the European Union all around forming a closed circle.

On the left, there is the symbol of Belgium BE, below the two letters is engraved the logo formed by a crown with the intertwined letters F and P, the monogram of KING Philippe.

In the lower central part of the coin, there is the year of minting with the mintmark symbol to the right that varies based on the years:

• In 2014 / 2017 – the Archangel Gabriel with the cross, Symbol of the Brussels Mint.
• In 2018 – the Winged Caduceus (Symbol of the Utrecht Mint).

To the left of the year of minting, the symbol of the Mint Director is engraved:

• A Cat, which is the symbol of the Mint Director Bernard Gillard (Director from 2014 to 2016).
• In 2017 the Coat of Arms of Herzele, symbol of the direction of Ingrid van Herzele.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 1.93 mm
• Weight: 4.1 g
• Diameter: 18.75 mm
• Edge: Thick milling
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

Here we are at the second coin in Nordic Gold, the first series of 20 euro cents: 20 Cents Euro Belgium First Series, the coin was minted from 1999 to 2007 in Brussels and designed by Jan Alfons Keustermas.

On the Obverse, the profile of Albert II facing left and inscribed within a circle. All around are the 12 stars, symbol of the European Union, forming a circle. This circle is interrupted by the year of minting and the monogram of King Albert II (the A with a Crown above it).

On the Reverse, there is the Common Side for the 20 euro cent coins of the Eurozone countries.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 2.14 mm
• Weight: 5.74 g
• Diameter: 22.25 mm
• Edge: Reeded
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

Here we have the 20 Cents Euro Belgium Second Series coin. Coin issued in 2007. In this case, the National Side remains unchanged compared to the previous version, while the Common Side has changed.

Indeed, we see that on the Reverse there is the new map of the Eurozone countries, the map shows all the countries united without separations as in the previous version.

The Obverse, however, remains unchanged, featuring the profile of King Albert II looking to the left enclosed within a circle. Along the outer crown of the coin, the 12 stars are engraved, interrupted by the year of minting and the monogram of King Albert II, the crowned A.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 2.14 mm
• Weight: 5.74 g
• Diameter: 22.25 mm
• Edge: Grooved
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

In 2008, a new National Side is issued and the 20 Cents Euro Belgium Third Series is minted.
What has changed?

The stars of the European Union now form a closed circle. In fact, the indications from 2008 state that the 12 stars must necessarily form an unbroken circle.

On the Obverse, there is still the profile of King Albert facing left. Inside the circle, there is now also the year of minting and the King's monogram (the crowned A). The portrait of the King differs slightly from the previous version. He appears more youthful; let's see what has changed: the hair on the nape and forehead, the shape of the chin, and other small details have been altered.

New symbols also appear: indeed, below the crowned A, the indication of the State of Belgium is included, namely the inscription BE. This new indication has been added to comply with the new regulations issued in 2005 by the European Commission. Such regulations require the name of the State to be displayed on the National Side. Alternatively, at least one symbol identifiable with the same State must be present.

Additionally, new symbols appear to the right and left of the year of minting:

• To the right, the symbol of the Mint is engraved, the Archangel Gabriel with the Cross above.
• To the left, a Scale is engraved, emblem of Romain Coenen, who is the Director of the Mint.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 2.14 mm
• Weight: 5.74 g
• Diameter: 22.25 mm
• Edge: Grooved
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

20 Cents Euro Fourth Series, coin designed by Luc Luycx and minted by the Brussels mint in 2014. With this Fourth series, the portrait and the King himself change. In fact, KING Albert II abdicated in favor of his son Philippe on July 21, 2013, giving rise to a new series of Euro dedicated to King Philippe.

On the Obverse, the profile of KING Philippe is engraved facing right. The 12 stars of the European Union are distributed all around to form a circle.

On the left, the symbol of Belgium BE is engraved, below there is the logo formed by a crown placed above two intertwined letters F and P (Monogram of KING Philippe).

Below the portrait is the year of minting with the mintmark to the right, a symbol that varies based on the years:

• from 2014 to 2017 – the Archangel Gabriel with a cross, symbol of the Brussels Mint.
• in 2018 – a Winged Caduceus, symbol of the Utrecht Mint.

To the left of the year of minting is the mint director's symbol:

• The Cat, as the emblem of the Mint Director Bernard Gillard (from 2014 to 2016).
• The Coat of Arms of Herzele, symbol of the direction of Ingrid van Herzele (2017)

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 2.14 mm
• Weight: 5.74 g
• Diameter: 22.25 mm
• Edge: Grooved
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

Here we are at the third coin in Nordic Gold. This is the first series of 50 cents of euro: 50 Cents Euro Belgium First Series, this coin was minted exactly from 1999 to 2007 in Brussels and designed by the hands of Jan Alfons Keustermas.

Let's take a closer look at the Obverse, where we see the profile of Albert II facing left, the portrait is inscribed within a circle. All around are the 12 stars symbolizing the European Union. Stars that form a circle interrupted only by the year of minting and the monogram of King Albert II, the A topped with a Crown.

Now the Reverse, where there is the Common Side for all 50 euro cent coins from Eurozone countries.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 2.38 mm
• Weight: 7.8 g
• Diameter: 24.25 mm
• Edge: thick milling – ribbed
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

Here we are with the coin issued in 2007, the 50 Cents Euro Belgium Second Series. The National Side remains unchanged compared to the version from previous years, while the Common Side is actually what changes.

On the Reverse, there is indeed the new map of the Eurozone countries. The map shows the Eurozone countries united and without separations, unlike the previous version.

On the other hand, the Obverse does not undergo any modifications; in fact, within the central circle, we find the profile of King Albert II looking to the left. Surrounding the coin are 12 stars interrupted only by the year of minting and the King's monogram, the crowned A.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 2.38 mm
• Weight: 7.8 g
• Diameter: 24.25 mm
• Edge: thick milling – lined
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

In 2008, the National Side changes, giving rise to the Third series, this is the coin of 50 Cents Euro Belgium Third Series.
Let's see together what has changed in the National Side.

First of all, the stars of the European Union now form a closed circle and are no longer interrupted. The guidelines of 2008 state that the 12 stars around the coin must form a complete circle without interruptions.

On the Obverse, there is a profile of King Albert wearing glasses, facing left. In addition to the portrait of the King, within the circle, there is now also the year of minting and the monogram of the King himself (the Crowned A). The profile of the King is slightly modified compared to the previous version. It appears more youthful. Let's see what has changed in the portrait: the hair on the nape and forehead, as well as the shape of the chin and other minor details.

Symbols that were never seen before also appear: below the Crowned A, the indication of the State of Belgium, the letters BE, appears. The new abbreviation is added to comply with the 2005 regulations of the European Commission. These regulations require the name of the State to be indicated on all National Sides. Alternatively, at least an abbreviation related to the State itself.

Symbols also appear to the right and left of the year:

• The Mint symbol with the Archangel Gabriel with the Cross above A appears on the right.
• The emblem of the Mint Director Romain Coenen, a Scale, appears on the left.

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 2.38 mm
• Weight: 7.8 g
• Diameter: 24.25 mm
• Edge: thick milling – lined
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

50 Cents Euro Fourth Series, this coin was designed by Luc Luycx and was minted in 2014 by the Brussels mint. In this series, the portrait changes along with the King. KING Albert II abdicates in favor of King Philippe, his son, on July 21, 2013. Thus, a new series of Euro coins dedicated to the new King Philippe is born.

On the Obverse, there is a profile portrait of KING Philippe facing right. The twelve stars of the Eurozone are evenly distributed and form a circle.

On the left, the letters BE are engraved, symbolizing Belgium. Below, the monogram of King Philippe is visible, formed by a crown with two intertwined letters: F and P.

The year of minting is located under the King's neck, and to the right of the year is the Mintmark, which varies by year:

• From 2014 to 2017, there is the Archangel Gabriel with the cross, which is the symbol of the Brussels Mint.
• In 2018, the symbol is a Winged Caduceus, referring to the Utrecht Mint.

Additionally, to the left of the year of minting, the Director of the Mint's symbol can be seen:

• For Bernard Gillard (from 2014 to 2016), there is the Cat.
• For Ingrid van Herzele (2017), there is the Coat of Arms of Herzele.

Details

• Materials: Nordic Gold
• Thickness: 2.38 mm
• Weight: 7.8 g
• Diameter: 24.25 mm
• Edge: thick milling – lined
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

Here we finally have the first bimetallic Euro coin: 1 Euro Belgium First Series. Minted from 1999 to 2006 and designed by Jan Alfons Keustermas.

On the Obverse: The central disc in copper and nickel features the profile of King Albert II. The brass and nickel ring is engraved with the 12 stars of the Eurozone countries, the year of minting, and the King's symbol, the A with a Crown above.

On the Reverse, the Common Side is represented, which is the same for all Eurozone countries. It features the inscription 1 EURO and a map of the Eurozone with marked borders. Above and below are the twelve stars.

• Materials: Center in Nickel and copper – Ring in Brass and Nickel
• Thickness: 2.33 mm
• Weight: 7.5 g
• Diameter: 23.25 mm
• Edge: interrupted milled
• Engraver: Jan Alfons Keustermas

Here we are in 2007 and therefore with the 1 Euro Belgium Second Series. The National Side remains unchanged compared to the previous version, but the Common Side changes.

On the Reverse, the new map of the Eurozone countries is now present. The new map depicts the Eurozone countries united and without borders between them.

On the Obverse, there are no changes compared to the previous version, and within the central circle made of nickel and copper is inscribed the profile of KING Albert II facing left. Around the coin, in the brass and nickel crown, the 12 stars, the year of minting, and the king's monogram, a crowned A, are engraved.

• Materials: Center in Nickel and copper – Crown in Brass and Nickel
• Thickness: 2.33 mm
• Weight: 7.5 g
• Diameter: 23.25 mm
• Edge: interrupted milled
• Engraver: Jan Alfons Keustermas

In 2008 the National Side changes and the Third series is born, here is the coin of 1 Euro Euro Belgium Third Series.
But what has changed on the National Side?

On the Obverse, to start with, the stars of the European Union now form a closed circle and are distributed around the brass and nickel crown. In fact, the 2008 guidelines require that the twelve stars of Europe must form an uninterrupted circle.

In the central part made of nickel and copper, there is a profile of KING Albert facing left with glasses, the year of minting, and the King's monogram (the A with crown). The portrait of the King has slightly changed. It appears a bit more youthful compared to the previous version. The hair on the nape and forehead changes, as does the shape of the chin and other smaller details.

Additionally, there are symbols that were not present before: below the A with Crown the abbreviation of the Belgian State is engraved, namely the letters B and E. The new Belgian abbreviation is added to comply with all the 2005 regulations imposed by the European Commission. In fact, these regulations require the name of the issuing State to be explicitly stated on all National Sides. Alternatively, at least one abbreviation related to the State must be indicated.

Two more symbols appear to the right and left of the year:

• To the right, the Mint symbol: the Archangel Gabriel with the Cross above the A.
• To the left, the symbol of the Mint Director Romain Coenen, depicted in a Scale.

• Materials: Center in Nickel and copper – Crown in Brass and Nickel
• Thickness: 2.33 mm
• Weight: 7.5 g
• Diameter: 23.25 mm
• Edge: discontinuous milled
• Engraver: Jan Alfons Keustermas

1 Euro Fourth Series, this bimetallic coin designed by Luc Luycx was minted in 2014 by the Brussels mint. Throughout the fourth series, the portrait changes because the King changes. In fact, on July 21, 2013, KING Albert II abdicated in favor of his son Philippe. Thus, a new series of Euros is dedicated to the new King Philippe.

On the Obverse, the portrait of KING Philippe is engraved facing right. The 12 stars of the Euro Zone are evenly distributed in a circle around the brass crown of the coin.

To the left, under the monogram of King Philippe, are the letters BE, the symbol of Belgium. The monogram of King Philippe is visible.

Below the King's neck is the year of minting and to its right is the Mint mark, a symbol that varies depending on the years:

• From 2014 to 2017, there is the Archangel Gabriel with a cross (symbol of the Brussels Mint).
• In 2018, the symbol is the Winged Caduceus (symbol of the Utrecht Mint).

On the left of the year of minting appears the Mint Director's symbol:

• Bernard Gillard (from 2014 to 2016) chose the Cat.
• Ingrid van Herzele (2017) chose the Coat of Arms of Herzele.

Details

• Materials: Center in Nickel and copper – Crown in Brass and Nickel
• Thickness: 2.33 mm
• Weight: 7.5 g
• Diameter: 23.25 mm
• Edge: interrupted milled
• Engraver: Jan Alfons Keustermas

Here is the coin with the highest face value, also bimetallic: 2 Euro Belgium First Series. Coin minted in 1999 and designed by the author Jan Alfons Keustermas.

On the Obverse, the central disc made of brass and nickel features the profile of King Albert II. In the copper and nickel ring, there are the 12 stars symbolizing the Eurozone countries, the year of minting, and the emblem of the King (the A with a Crown above).

The Reverse is characterized by the Common Side, which is the same for all Eurozone countries. It features the inscription 2 EURO and a map of the Eurozone with the borders between the states clearly marked. Above and below the map, there are twelve five-pointed stars engraved.

• Materials: Bimetallic, central disc in nickel and copper, outer ring in brass and nickel
• Thickness: 2.20 mm
• Weight: 8.50 g
• Diameter: 25.75 mm
• Edge: Grooved with six 2s in relief, alternating upright and inverted, separated by 12 five-pointed stars
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

In 2007, the 2 Euro Belgium Second Series was introduced. For this series, the National Side remains unchanged compared to the previous version, while the Common Side is updated.

On the Reverse, the Common Side features a new map of Europe designed without borders between the Eurozone Countries.

On the Obverse, as mentioned earlier, there are no modifications. Inside the central circle made of nickel and copper, the profile of King Albert II is engraved. Surrounding the coin in copper and nickel are twelve stars, the year, and also the monogram of King Albert, which is a A with a crown above.

• Materials: Bimetallic, central core in nickel and copper, outer ring in brass and nickel
• Thickness: 2.20 mm
• Weight: 8.50 g
• Diameter: 25.75 mm
• Edge: Grooved with six 2s in relief, alternating upright and inverted, separated by 12 five-pointed stars
• Designer: Jan Alfons Keustermas

In 2008, the National Side changes and the third Series is minted, this is therefore the 2 Euro Belgium Third Series coin.
Let's see what has changed on the National Side:

The side on the Obverse, that is the National Side, now features the stars of the European Union arranged in a closed circle and engraved on the outer crown made of copper and nickel. This is to comply with the 2008 guidelines that require the twelve stars of Europe to be evenly spaced and uninterrupted.

In the central disc made of nickel and brass, there is a portrait of KING Albert looking to the left, along with the year of minting and the King's monogram, the A with crown. The profile of the King is slightly different. Compared to the previous version, he appears more youthful. The hair on the back of the neck and forehead also changes slightly, and the shape of the chin appears more defined.

Other changes, or rather new symbols on the coin: below the A Crown of the monogram, the State initials of Belgium, the letters B and E, are now engraved. The new initials are added to the coin to comply with all the new 2005 regulations from the European Commission. These regulations require the name of the issuing State to be engraved on the coins. Alternatively, in the case of a long name, at least an abbreviation related to the issuing State must be indicated.

Two other symbols appear to the right and left of the year of minting:

• The one on the right is the Mint symbol: in this case, the Archangel Gabriel with the Cross above the A.
• The one on the left is the symbol of the Mint Director: Romain Coenen, a Scale.

• Materials: Bimetallic, central disc in nickel and copper, outer crown in brass and nickel
• Thickness: 2.20 mm
• Weight: 8.50 g
• Diameter: 25.75 mm
• Edge: Grooved with six 2s in relief, alternating upright and inverted, separated by 12 five-pointed stars
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas

2 Euro Fourth Series, this bimetallic coin is designed by Luc Luycx and was minted in 2014 by the Brussels mint. We now talk about the fourth series where the portrait of the King changes. On July 21, 2013, KING Albert II abdicated in favor of the new King Philippe, his son. The entire new series of Euro is indeed dedicated to the new King Philippe.

On the Obverse: at the center, the portrait of KING Philippe looking to the right. The twelve stars of the Eurozone are arranged in a circle on the outer ring made of copper and nickel.

To the left and below the monogram of King Philippe are the two letters BE, which are the symbol of Belgium.

Below the King's neck, in the central part of the coin, is the year of minting and to its right the mint mark which varies based on the years of issue of the coin:

• Those from 2014 to 2017 have the symbol of the Archangel Gabriel with the cross (symbol of the Brussels mint).
• Those from 2018 have as a symbol the Winged Caduceus (symbol of the Utrecht mint).

To the left of the year of minting appears the emblem of the Mint Director:

• For Bernard Gillard (from 2014 to 2016) the Cat.
• For Ingrid van Herzele (2017) the Coat of Arms of Herzele.

Details:

• Materials: Bimetallic, central core in nickel and copper, outer ring in brass and nickel
• Thickness: 2.20 mm
• Weight: 8.50 g
• Diameter: 25.75 mm
• Edge: Reeded with six 2s in incuse, one upright and one inverted alternately, separated by 12 five-pointed stars
• Author: Jan Alfons Keustermas