1970 Belgium Medal – 72nd Bestendig Festival, Antwerp

Minted by Mauquoy | Belgian Cultural & Musical Exonumia

Overview

Celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Flanders with this impressive, large-format bronze medal minted for the 72nd Bestendig Festival (Permanent Festival) in Antwerp. Struck in 1970 and produced by the esteemed Belgian minting house Mauquoy, this lightly circulated piece captures a wonderful chapter of Antwerp's vibrant musical and artistic heritage.

Historical Significance

Originating in the 19th century, Antwerp's Bestendig Festival was a celebrated annual event dedicated to promoting and honoring the arts, choral singing, harmonies, and fanfare orchestras throughout the region. Over the decades, these festivals became vital cultural pillars for the Belgian community, commemorating local heritage, historical milestones, and artistic triumphs. The Mauquoy firm, known for its long-standing tradition of fine Belgian medallic craftsmanship, struck these official festival medals to recognize participants and dignitaries, making them highly collectible artifacts of local social history.

Specifications & Condition

• Issuing Country: Belgium

• City / Event: Antwerp – 72nd Bestendig Festival (1970)

• Mint / Manufacturer: Mauquoy

• Composition: Bronze

• Condition: Lightly Circulated (Displays honest, minimal handling wear, retaining clear strike details and a warm, aged bronze patina)

• Diameter: 2.648 inches (approx. 67.3 mm — an oversized, heavy exhibition format)

• Weight: 3.680 ounces (approx. 104.3 grams — substantial, gallery-weight bronze)

Why This Belongs in Your Collection

• Renowned Belgian Minting: Produced by Mauquoy, a pillar of traditional Belgian medallic art.

• Thematic Cultural History: An essential acquisition for collectors focusing on Belgian music festivals, Antwerp local history, or European festival medals.

• Substantial Gallery Presence: Measuring over 2.6 inches across and tipping the scales at nearly 3.7 ounces, this heavy-format medal makes an eye-catching display piece in any advanced exonumia collection.