Neutral-Moresnet

Because the French law was in force in Neutral Moresnet and neither of the controlling countries had made arrangements for the introduction of its own currency. The franc was officially the only legal currency.

But in practice the currency of both neighbouring countries were used in the neutral territory. As La Calamine (Kelmis) directly bordered Prussian Moresnet, it is not surprising that the Prussian currency was used most of the time.

In 1848 some local coins appeared. Though these coins were no official circulating medium and the origin is not clear either, they were mentioned in the “Revue de la Numismatique belge” (5^th series, 1869 page 96-99).

Picture 1 (afb.1)
The first picture shows a double-faced head; on the left Frederik-Willem IV of Prussia and on the right Leopold I of Belgium. The circumscription reads: ‘SUB DUPLICI PRAESDIO LIBERTAS “*1848*”.

Picture 2 (afb.2)
Text: “COMMUNE LIBRE DE MORESNET” and under two locked up hands the value of 2 franc. Under the hand and the value the incomplete weapons of Prussia and Belgium; neither the eagle nor the lion is wearing a crown.

Picture 3 (afb.3)
Text: VIVRE ET PROSPERER SOUS LA DOUBLE PROTECTION DE LA PRUSSE ET DE LA BELGIQUE.