Belgium 5 Euros, 2020

5 Euros from Belgium. Issued in 2020. Struck in Silver (.925). Measures 30 mm and weighs 14.6 g.

Obverse

The map of the European Union, the twelve stars, the trilingual national title, the face value, the year of issue, the difference between the Commissaires des Monnaies and the Maison de la Monnaie, and the engraver's initials "LL". (Belgium)

Reverse

The first Belgian train ride is of historical importance On 1 May 1834, King Leopold I signed the law supporting the creation of the Belgian railway system. One year later, on 5 May 1835, the first Belgian railway line was opened. For the first time in history a train rode on the European mainland, between Brussels and Mechelen. Three steam locomotives, manufactured in Great Britain, rode in one line and transported 900 passengers in 30 carriages: La Flèche (“arrow”): seven open carriages with benches for people of good descent. Stephenson: seven open and covered carriages. L’Éléphant (“elephant”): sixteen open carriages with benches. The route, which started from Brussels Groendreef station, was 22 kilometres long and had only one stop in Vilvoorde. On arrival in Mechelen, all the wagons were coupled together, and on the way back to Brussels they were dragged by L’Éléphant. This route marked the beginning of the rich history of Belgian railways and was the driving force behind Belgium's industrial success in the 19th century.

Edge

Smooth