Belgian coin spat awakens ghosts of Waterloo for the French

BRUSSELS (AP) - It is hardly 1815 all over again, but battles leave scars for centuries. And when it comes to Waterloo, the result still does not sit well with France.

Belgium is looking to change a commemorative Waterloo coin to an unofficial value of 3 euros ($3.18) to avoid what it called opposition from France. Coining unofficial values do not need backing from other countries in the 19-nation eurozone.

Napoleon lost his final battle at Waterloo, close to Brussels, in 1815 against an international coalition led by Britain's Duke of Wellington. Waterloo has become a symbol for victory for some, defeat for others.

The Belgian finance minister said the opposition from Paris took him by surprise: "The commotion stuns me. Europe has more important challenges."

Battle of Waterloo commemorations begin June 18.