Belgium 2014 Centenary of the start of the First World War

Centenary of the start of the First World War

The First World War (1914-18) transformed the history of Belgium and the world. During this conflict, which saw dozens of countries fighting on Belgian soil, the courage shown by the Belgian people had a mobilising effect for others and bore witness to the importance of international cooperation. Although the last of those to have lived through the hostilities are no longer with us, this war remains etched in Belgium's collective memory.

On 4 August 2014 in Liège, Belgium will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. The events will be attended by representatives of all the levels of power in Belgium and delegations from many countries from all over the world. 

The coin’s central field depicts a poppy above the years 2014-18. Below these years appears the inscription ‘The Great War Centenary’, under which are the signature mark of the Master of the Mint and the mark of the Brussels mint, a helmeted profile of the archangel Michael. The top of the central field features the trilingual inscription ‘BELGIE — BELGIQUE — BELGIEN’. The coin’s outer ring bears the 12 stars of the European Union.