Belgium – Silver Medal of the Order of Leopold II, 2nd Class (Pre-1951 Monolingual Version)
Key Specifications:
Institution Date: 1900
Material: Silver
Dimensions: 44.84 mm (height) x 36.02 mm (width)
Class: 2nd Class (Silver Medal)
Condition: Rare pre-1951 issue, as indicated by the monolingual Flemish inscription instead of the later bilingual version.
Rarity: Less common than the gold and bronze variants.
Design Features
Obverse (Front) Details
Shape: Four-armed cross connected between the upper and lower arms by an oval, featuring a laurel wreath (symbolizing honor and victory).
Central Medallion:
Displays a lion rampant, the traditional emblem of Belgium’s monarchy.
Encircled by the inscription:
“L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE”  reinforcing Belgium’s national motto.
Reverse (Back) Details
Central Medallion:
Features the Belgian royal crown, symbolizing monarchy and state authority.
Surrounding Wreath: Represents honor, distinction, and public service.
Ribbon:
Standard blue ribbon with a black central stripe, characteristic of the Order of Leopold II.
Condition of the ribbon should be verified in the provided photos.
Historical Context
Creation & Purpose
The Order of Leopold II was established in 1900 by King Leopold II to reward exceptional civil and military service to Belgium.
Unlike the Order of Leopold (1832), Belgium’s highest chivalric order, the Order of Leopold II was meant for distinguished service to the state and Crown.
Pre-1951 Monolingual Version
Before 1951, Belgium’s official orders were issued in either French or Dutch.
Post-1951 reforms introduced bilingual inscriptions, making this monolingual Flemish version rarer and historically significant.
Award Criteria & Classes
The Silver Medal (2nd Class) was traditionally awarded for:
Military bravery in combat or non-combat services.
Civil merit in public service, government, or monarchy-related contributions.
Foreign diplomats or military officers who served Belgian interests.
Hierarchy of the Order of Leopold II
The order consists of five grades, divided into three medals (gold, silver, bronze) and two knightly classes:
Grand Cross (Grand Cordon with breast star and sash)
Grand Officer (Neck badge with breast star)
Commander (Neck badge only)
Officer (Chest badge with rosette on ribbon)
Knight (Basic medal without rosette)
 This piece is a Silver Medal (2nd Class), which ranks just below the Knight class.
This Belgian Order of Leopold II Silver Medal (2nd Class, pre-1951 Flemish issue) is an exceptionally rare piece, particularly due to its monolingual Dutch inscription.
Its historical significance, fine craftsmanship, and limited availability make it a valuable addition to any military, monarchy, or European award collection.
For authentication and valuation, please refer to the provided pictures to assess inscriptions, condition, and ribbon authenticity.