1910 Belgium "Flag at Half-Mast" Commemorative Medal
Featuring King Albert I | Exonumia / Mourning & Military Heritage
Overview
Add a deeply moving and historically significant piece of Belgian exonumia to your cabinet with this bronzed gilt medal commemorating the national mourning of 1910. Featuring a powerful obverse portrait of the newly ascended King Albert I, this circulated medal pays solemn tribute to brothers-in-arms and national solidarity during a time of shared sorrow.
Striking in its symbolism and craftsmanship, this piece captures a poignant moment in early 20th-century European history.
Historical Significance
The year 1910 marked a transitional and somber era for Belgium. Following the death of King Leopold II, King Albert I ascended to the throne amidst national mourning, a period famously associated with unity, remembrance, and military brotherhood ("frères d'armes"). Medals issued under these themes reflect the intense patriotic sentiment of the Belgian populace on the eve of the turbulent decades that would lead into the First World War. The "Flag at Half-Mast" imagery serves as a striking visual metaphor for a nation in grief, making this a fascinating historical artifact for collectors of military history, mourning art, and Belgian numismatics.
Specifications & Condition
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Issuing Country: Belgium
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Year of Issue: 1910
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Subject / Theme: National Mourning / Brothers-in-Arms ("Flag at Half-Mast")
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Obverse Feature: Portrait of King Albert I
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Composition: Bronze Gilt (Bronzed Gilt)
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Condition: Circulated (Displays honest historical wear, retaining a warm patina and clear, evocative design details)
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Diameter: 1.822 inches (approx. 46.3 mm)
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Weight: 1.492 ounces (approx. 42.3 grams — a comfortable, substantial cabinet weight)
Why This Belongs in Your Collection
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Powerful Historical Narrative: Captures the solemn national mood and military fraternity surrounding the early reign of King Albert I.
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Striking Iconography: The "Flag at Half-Mast" theme offers a rare and emotionally resonant motif rarely found in standard commemorative issues.
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Desirable Format: A substantial bronze gilt piece that adds unique thematic depth to any advanced collection of European medals or exonumia.