Begun in 2020, the collector series focuses on a selection of Belgian-originated comics and animated characters. The sixth release in the series highlights the Largo Winch franchise which has become a modern legend in the European comics landscape. The character’s origins date back to the 1970’s when screenwriter Jean Van Hamme wrote a series of English-language thrillers about a mysterious young billionaire. From financial conspiracies to political intrigue, Largo’s world is as glamorous as it is dangerous.
The series features Largo, a young man of secretive origins, who is adopted by the wealthy businessman Nerio Winch. Upon Nerio’s death, Largo inherits his vast empire, takes over his company while navigating a world of corruption and betrayal. The books enjoyed modest success, but Van Hamme felt that Largo’s story deserved a different medium and so it was developed into the style and genre of a comic serial.
In 1990, he found the perfect creative partner in the talented Belgian artist Philippe Francq. Together, they transformed Largo Winch into a visually compelling comic series that combines classic action and economic intrigue with contemporary themes like corruption, power, loyalty, courage and identity. The series quickly became a fixture in the European comic world and grew into a real crowd-pleaser, selling millions of editions in dozens of languages. The visually compelling comic series combines classic action with economic intrigue and current themes such as corruption, power and identity.
Today, 35 years after the first comic book hit the shelves, Largo Winch remains a rare phenomenon – that is, a hero who evolves with the times, continues to surprise his readers and effortlessly navigates between blockbuster action movies and human depth. Winch is a modern action hero with a strong moral compass and all within a sophisticated business environment. The series also inspired two French-language feature films – Largo Winch and Largo Winch II, starring actor Tomer Sisley, and introduced the character portrayed as charming and vulnerable, rational and reckless to an international audience. With 24 heart-pounding editions full of suspense, exotic locations and moral dilemmas, Largo Winch has become an undeniable comic legend. The eagerly-anticipated 25th edition is scheduled for release on the 25th November, coinciding with the release of this collector coin.
The coins are produced by the Royal Dutch Mint at their facilities in Houten, Netherlands under license of the Royal Belgian Mint and on behalf of the Belgian Finance Ministry. The obverse of both versions features the bold portrait of the adventurous billionaire placed to the left half of the coin. In the background is the logo of the franchise, a stylised broad W along with the text LARGO WINCH. The colourised version sees the portrait of Largo in the original colours of the latest edition. The reverse side depicts a map of Europe, placed to the right half of the coin. The denomination 5 EURO is shown just above the map and positioned near the upper left. A series of vertical lines and rods is placed near the left half along with the year of issue, 2025 and the name of the country BELGIE BELGIQUE BELGIEN is also shown in a vertical direction.
Available from the 8th October, both Brilliant Uncirculated €5 versions are presented in a standard coin-card with images and text highlighting the artwork which is featured on the coins and are available in French and Dutch text. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Belgian Mint.