Belgium

Belgium emerged as an independent constitutional monarchy in 1830, following its separation from the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. Strategically located in Western Europe, it developed into an early industrialized nation with significant economic and colonial interests, most notably in Central Africa. Its political and cultural landscape reflects a balance between its Dutch- and French-speaking populations.

Belgium produced a refined and influential body of postage stamps, particularly noted for its long tradition of high-quality engraved issues. Early stamps prominently featured King Leopold I and his successors, while later designs expanded to include industry, architecture, and cultural themes. Belgian stamps are especially admired for their precision printing and classical aesthetic.

Belgium used a currency system based on the Belgian franc sub-divided into 100 centimes, transitioning to the Euro in 2002.

1958 - Belgium 3 Francs - King Baudouin - Lilac Purple

First issued: 23 Dec 19583 Belgian FrancsKing Baudouin Type MarchandDesigned by Jean Malvaux (E) & Robert Marchand (P)SG: BE 1457 Colnect Link
This is the King Baudouin “Marchand” definitive series, one of the earliest long-running portrait types of the Belgian monarch, issued from 1958 into the early 1960s.These stamps were produced in photogravure with comb perforations (around 11½) and issued across a wide range of denominations and colours. The variations are extensive—paper types, shades, and printings—making the series deceptively complex despite its uniform appearance.

1971 - Belgium 20 Francs - King Baudouin - Blue

First issued: 28 Jan 19809 Belgian FrancsKing Baudouin Type ElstromDesigned by Charles Leclercqz & Harry ElstromSG: BE 2222 Colnect Link

1974 - Belgium 10 Francs - Heinrich von Stephan

First issued: 05 Oct 197410 Belgian FrancsUniversal Postal Union CentenaryDesigned by Charles Leclercqz (E) & Luc De DeckerSG: BE 2364 Colnect Link
Issued in 1974, this stamp marks the centenary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and depicts Heinrich von Stephan alongside the UPU monument in Bern.Stephan is considered the architect of the modern international postal system. In 1874, he played a central role in organizing the conference in Bern that led to the creation of the UPU, which standardized international mail exchange, rates, and procedures across countries.

1976 - Belgium 10 Francs - King Baudouin - Dark Pink Lilac

First issued: 10 Jun 197610 Belgian FrancsKing Baudouin Type ElstromDesigned by Charles Leclercqz & Harry ElstromSG: BE 2218a Colnect Link
This stamp is part of one of Belgium’s most systematic and long-running definitive designs, known as the “King Baudouin – Type Elström” series.The design was created by Harry Elström and introduced in 1971, then reused across a large number of denominations and printings throughout the 1970s. The portrait shows Baudouin of Belgium in a very neutral, almost expressionless profile, with minimal background—deliberately simple so it could be adapted easily across values and colours.The stamps carries the initials of the designers - CL and HE. The post mark gives a date of 29 October 1980 with the place marked as Brussels.

1980 - Belgium 9 Francs - King Baudouin - Brown Red

First issued: 28 Jan 19809 Belgian FrancsKing Baudouin Type ElstromDesigned by Charles Leclercqz & Harry ElstromSG: BE 2217a Colnect Link

1980 - Belgium 35 Francs - King Baudouin - Dark Bluish Green

First issued: 23 Jun 198035 Belgian FrancsKing Baudouin Type ElstromDesigned by Charles Leclercqz & Harry ElstromSG: BE 2223b Colnect Link

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