50 Ecus (.999) - Gold - Various years

The 50 Ecu 999 gold coin is a Belgian half-ounce pure gold coin: it weighs 15.55 g at 999 thousandths and contains 15.53 g of fine gold. Its price follows the gold market: it is this gold weight that determines its value.

Positioned between the quarter-ounce and the ounce, this intermediate format allows you to hold a significant amount of gold while maintaining flexibility when reselling, piece by piece.

Technical specifications of the 50 Ecu 999 gold coin

• Purity: 999 thousandths (24 karats)
• Total weight: 15.55 g (1/2 troy ounce)
• Fine gold: 15.53 g
• Diameter: 29 mm
• Face value: 50 Ecus (ECU, European Currency Unit)
• Country of issue: Belgium (Royal Belgian Mint, Brussels)
• Condition: circulated, various years

History of the 50 Ecu 999 gold coin

The Ecu (European Currency Unit) was the unit of account for the European Community, used from 1979 until its replacement by the euro in 1999. Belgium issued coins denominated in Ecus starting in 1987, including a 50 Ecu coin in 900-thousandths gold featuring Charles V.

Starting in 1989, the 50 Ecu was minted in 999-thousandths pure gold, weighing half an ounce, as part of a series that also included the 25 Ecu and 100 Ecu coins. The first design in this series featured Charlemagne; other motifs followed in the 1990s, notably for the Belgian presidency of the European Community in 1993. All share the same weight and purity.

How to identify a 50 Ecu 999 gold coin?

The most common type features the portrait of Charlemagne on the obverse, with a Latin inscription of his name. The reverse combines the trilingual mention "BELGIË BELGIQUE BELGIEN", the value "50 ECU", the year, and the weight and purity indication, "1/2 OZ 999". Other types share the same format.

Verification involves checking the weight (15.55 g), diameter (29 mm), and the sharpness of the engraving. As pure gold is soft, slight handling marks are common and have no impact on its investment value. Our experts perform these checks on every coin before it is listed for sale.

Why invest in the 50 Ecu 999 gold coin?

• Low premium: its price remains close to the value of the gold it contains.
• Pure gold: 999 thousandths, no alloy.
• Half-ounce: an intermediate format, between the 25 Ecu and the 100 Ecu.
• A Belgian coin: minted by the Royal Belgian Mint and well-known to domestic dealers.

A "marketable" verified 50 Ecu, ready for resale

The 50 Ecu 999 gold coin is sold for the gold it contains. Its price follows the gold market, with an added investment premium. As investment gold, it is exempt from VAT in Belgium.

• Verified "marketable": each coin is inspected by our experts (authenticity, weight, purity). It shows no defects that would prevent its resale as investment gold: no holes, solder, traces of jewelry mounts, shocks, or excessive wear.
• Ready for resale: when you decide to sell, it will be accepted for buyback as investment gold, based on its fine gold weight. We guarantee its buyback at any time.

Year and condition of your 50 Ecu 999 gold coin

This product is sold in "various years": the year and design vary from one coin to another and cannot be selected. These are circulated coins that have already had one or more owners: slight signs of wear or patina are normal and have no effect on their investment value, which is calculated based on their fine gold weight. Photo for illustrative purposes only.

How to store your 50 Ecu gold coins?

For a gold coin to retain its full resale value, a few simple precautions are sufficient:

• handle by the edge, ideally with cotton gloves;
• never clean it: cleaning agents and scrubbing scratch the gold and can complicate resale;
• store in an individual capsule or case, away from moisture and impact;
• keep your purchase invoice, which is useful at the time of resale.

Frequently asked questions about the 50 Ecu 999 gold coin

How much gold does a 50 Ecu 999 contain?

It weighs one-half troy ounce (15.55 g) at 999 thousandths and contains 15.53 g of fine gold. This weight of gold serves as the basis for its purchase and resale price.

What is the difference compared to the Charles V 50 Ecu?

The 1987 Charles V 50 Ecu is made of 900-thousandths gold and weighs 17.28 g; the 50 Ecu 999 is made of pure gold and weighs 15.55 g. Both contain approximately one-half ounce of fine gold and are traded based on their gold content.

Can I choose the year or the motif?

No. This product is sold as "various years": you will receive a 50 Ecu 999 selected from our stock, which always contains half an ounce of pure gold.

Is the gold 50 Ecu subject to VAT?

No. In Belgium, as in the entire European Union, the gold 50 Ecu is classified as investment gold, which is exempt from VAT.