Belgium, Leopold II Commemorative Medal 2nd Type 1865-1909

Instituted on 21 July 1905 to commemorate the 40th year of the reign of King Leopold II. The medal was to be awarded to those who had given 20 years’ “good and faithful service”. This second issue had the reverse dates 1865 - 1909. The medal is struck in gilt bronze and is 30 mm in diameter, it has a ball and ring type suspension mounted on a bow design. The obverse has the bust of Leopold II set over a Rupert Cross surrounded by laurels and oak leaves. The reverse is similar, but with the bust of Leopold replaced by the dates 1865 - 1909 (second type). The ribbon is red, yellow and black. Never offered before and available in very limited numbers.