Kingdom of Belgium, Leopold III. Silver 100 Francs Coin.
Mint Years: 1948
Reference: 139.1.
Mint Place: Brussels
Denomination: 100 Francs
Material: Silver (.835)
Weight: 18.12gm
Diameter: 33mm
Leopold III (3 November 1901 – 25 September 1983) reigned as the fourth King of the Belgians from 1934 until 1951, when he abdicated in favour of the heir apparent, his son Baudouin. From 1944 until 1950, Leopold’s brother, Charles, served as prince regent while Leopold was declared unable to reign. Leopold’s controversial actions during the Second World War resulted into a political crisis known as the Royal Question. In 1950, the debate about whether Leopold could resume his royal functions escalated. Following a referendum, Leopold was eventually allowed to return from exile to Belgium but the continuing political instability pressured him to abdicate in 1951.
Leopold was born in Brussels and succeeded to the throne of Belgium on 23 February 1934 following the death of his father, King Albert I. He was invested as Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece in Spain in 1923, Grand Cross of the Order of the Tower and Sword (Portugal) in 1927 and Knight of the Order of the Garter (United Kingdom) in 1935.