In 1849, Belgium issued their first stamps. This series of five stamps featured the iconic “Epaulettes” design, depicting the profile of King Leopold I. Leopold I was King of Belgium from 1831 to 1865. He became the first King of Belgium on 21 July 1831 after the country’s independence from the Netherlands. He was the youngest son of Duke Francis of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld and Countess Augusta Reuss of Ebersdorf. The last series of stamps depicting King Leopold I were issued in 1865.
The ”Epaulettes”, denominated in centimes, aimed to simplify and standardize postage rates, making the mailing process more accessible to the public. Todays stamp is the 20 centimes issue from 1849. CV for a mint copy is 2.600 euros.