Luxembourg, 100 francs, 1995: "qp" for "quality proof"

[<k>]

Luxembourg, 100 francs, 1995.

This coin was part of the United Nations collector series.

Apparently the "qp" above the word MEMBRE means "quality proof".


Has anybody ever seen this abbreviation on any other coin, from Luxembourg or not?

And does the design above also exist without the "qp"?

[eurocoin]

Not sure if it indeed means that but I have seen it before on silver Belgian euro collectors coins.

[chrisild]

Yes, the "qp" means qualité/quality proof. It can be found on all Belgian silver and gold euro coins (which are all "proof only"); don't think other countries use it.

Christian

[<k>]

So is the "qp" on this Luxembourg coin unique for that country?

[bart]

No, it is also on the 250 francs of 1994 (Benelux) and every 500 francs coin (6 coins struck between 1994 and 2000).
The abbreviation qp for quality proof was used by the Belgian Mint. As the eurocoins from Luxembourg were not struck at the Belgian mint anymore, the abbreviation qp was not used anymore after the issue of the last 500 francs coin (inauguration grand duke Henri).

[<k>]

I see. Thanks, bart.

So Belgium is going its own way and not sticking to numismatic standards.

How much longer can it remain a member of the euro zone - or even the EU? 

[chrisild]

Standards, shmandards. In a way, Malta does something similar: Their €2 commems for example usually have no mintmark for the regular version, but the pieces for sets have one.

Side note: The Belgian coins are minted in Utrecht, NL now, but the "qp" sign is still there ...

Christian

[<k>]

That'll keep the "variations" collectors happy.