Eed van Leopold van Saksen-Coburg op de constitutie 1831

This bronze commemorative coin marks Leopold of Saxe-Coburg's oath to the constitution of Belgium. Leopold, a German prince, became the first King of the Belgians in 1831, a time of significant upheaval in Europe. This coin is not merely a marker of national pride, but also a reflection of Belgium’s complex identity. Leopold's acceptance of the constitution was a symbolic gesture, an attempt to reconcile a monarchy with democratic principles. The very act of minting a coin, a small, circulated object, aimed to embed this moment into the consciousness of the Belgian people. What does it mean for a nation to forge its identity through symbols of authority? How can the weight of history be carried in something so small? This commemorative object serves as a reminder of the negotiations, promises, and power dynamics that underlie the formation of a national identity.