BRUSSELS – Some 7.7 billion Belgian franc coins are still in circulation somewhere despite the approaching deadline for exchanging them for euros, it was reported Wednesday.

Until now, less than 70 percent of Belgian franc coins have been traded in for coins issued in Europe’s common currency, according to the Belga press agency.

Those with old coins on their hands have until the end of January 2005 to exchange them for new money.

After that date, any old coins left will become mere collectors’ items, while there is no deadline for exchanging paper money.

The first euro notes and coins were introduced in January 2002 and replaced 12 different sets of national currencies.

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject : Belgian news