Belgium Ghent 5 franken German Occupation Coinage KM-Tn6 MS63 PCGS coin 1917

The Belgium Ghent 5 Franken 1917 coin is one of the largest and most remarkable emergency issues produced under German Occupation during World War I. Struck for the city of Ghent, it reflects the necessity of substitute money in times of economic hardship. The obverse features the crowned heraldic lion of Ghent within an ornate shield, surrounded by branches and the bilingual legend “VILLE DE GAND – STAD GENT.” At the bottom appears the Latin motto “FIDES ET AMOR” (“Faith and Love”), underlining civic pride and loyalty. The reverse presents a bold central inscription “5 FRANCS – FRANKEN” with the date 1917 below, enclosed within a wreath of oak and laurel branches. The outer frame, designed in a diamond-like square, carries the legends “UITBETAALBAAR JANUARI 1920” and “REMBOURSABLE JANVIER 1920,” confirming that the coin served as redeemable emergency currency. Struck in bronze, this piece is certified MS63 by PCGS, an impressive grade for such wartime issues. A historic relic of World War I, it stands as a symbol of resilience and civic strength, highly prized by collectors of Belgian numismatics, emergency money, and occupation coinage.

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