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OUT OF AFRICA

COINS & CURRENCY OF AFRICA

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THE COIN WITH A SOUL!  

The "Kissie Penny" or "Gizzie Iron" are twisted iron rods, about 10 inches (18 to 24cm)  long, that were used for money in Liberia and Sierra Leone from the 19^th to the mid 20^th century. They were said to contain a soul. If the Kissie were broken, the soul would escape and it would be valueless. Of course, the local "witch doctor" could restore the soul, for a small fee.   A bunch of bananas might cost 2 Kissies, a cow 2000 Kissies, or a bride 4000 Kissies.

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AFRICAN SLAVE BRACELET MONEY

Reduced size image The Manilla, also called "slave bracelet money" was used extensively on the "slave coast" of west Africa. The Manilla comes in various sizes and forms, though it was usually made from a copper and lead alloy. The value fluctuated from time to time and place to place. Manillas were often manufactured in Europe for use in the African slave trade. In the 15^th and 16^th century male slaves went for 2 to 10 Manillas each. By the time the Manilla was demonitized in Nigeria in 1947 it was worth only 3 pence. This Manilla  is about 2.25 to 2.5 inches (6 cm.)  across and was used from the 18^th to the mid 20^th Centuries.

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AFRICAN COINS FEATURE TRADITIONAL AFRICAN MONEY 

Six member nations of the African Development Bank issued a series of coins, each of which features a form of traditional money used in the member nation.  Each coin bears the denomination of 1500 CFA Francs. The coins are 27mm nickel-plated steel and are dated 2005.  One side features an Elephant’s head and a map of Africa while the other features a form of traditional money.  The Cameroon issue features a Mambila. Three pieces of Spear Money is shown on the coin of the Central African Republic.  A Manilla is shown on the Chad issue.  A Katanga Cross is on the coin from the Congo Republic.  A pair of Cowrie shells is on the Equatorial Guinea coin.  The Gabon coin shows a piece of Throwing Knife Money. Each coin has a mintage of only 2005 pieces!  Individually they are interesting coins.  As a set they display the wide range of items used for money in Africa prior to the introduction of coins and currency.

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AFRICAN BI-METALLICS CELEBRATE VISITS BY POPE JOHN PAUL II  

In 2007 five African nations:  Cameroons, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Republic and Gabon, each issued a bi-metallic 4500 Franc coins to commemorate a visit that Pope John Paul II made to their country.  The coins were made by the Africa Mint, which had questionable authority to issue the coins.  The coins have a mintage of only 2007 pieces of each coin.  Due to a fortunate purchase we are able to offer these scarce coins far below their original issue price of 50 Euros ($60) each.  Each coin pictures the Pope and lists the date of his visit   The Central African Republic and Congo issues also show an airplane, while the Chad issue also shows the Popemobile.  The reverse of the coins all show a map of Africa and an elephant head. Because these nations use the common currency of the Central African Monetary Union they issue few coins of their own.

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SCARCE BI-METALLIC AFRICAN PRESIDENTS COINS

In an effort to improve relations with top African leaders, (and perhaps secure contracts to issue more coins), the Africa Mint issued a series of coins in 2003 honoring the Presidents of various African nations. Each of the four bi-metallic coins are 28mm in diameter and bear the denomination of 6000 Francs.  Included are Mathieu Kerekou of Benin,  Paul Biya of Cameroon, Mamadou Tandja of Niger and Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo.  Each coin pictures the respective president, the national flag superimposed upon a map of the nation, along with the dates President’s term in office.  Only one President (Kerekou of Benin) actually retired when his term was up.  The reverse of the coins picture an elephants head on a map of Africa, along with an inscription honoring the President.  Only 500 of each coin was issued.

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ANIMALS FROM ALGERIA

This 10-coin set from Algeria features animal and bi-metallic coins.  The 1/4 Dinar shows a desert fox, the 1/2 Dinar features a Barbary Horse. A prehistoric sheep is on the 1 Dinar, a Camel is on the 2 Dinar, an Elephant is on the 5 Dinar. The 10 Dinar is made from an unusual bi-imetallic combination with an aluminum center surrounded by a steel ring. The coin features a falcon. The 20 Dinars has a lion's head.  The 50 Dinars shows a Gazelle, The 100 Dinars depicts a horse's head.  The 2012 dated 200 Dinars commemorates the 50th anniversary of Algeria's independence from France. The 1/4 Dinar is aluminum, 1/2, 1, 2 and 5 Dinars are stainless steel and the 10, 50, 100 and 200 Dinars are bi-metallic. The coins date from 1992 to 2018 and are Uncirculated.  It is a scarce and rarely seen set.

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ALGERIA CELEBRATES FIRST SATELLITE WITH BI-METALLIC COIN

Algeria commemorates its first satellite on this 2019 bi-metallic 100 Dinars coin.  The Alcomsat-1 is a communications satellite that was developed and launched in China in 2017.  It is depicted on the obverse of the coin.  The denomination is on the reverse.  The coin is dated in three different calendar systems: 2019AD, 1440AH and Berber Year 2969.  It is the first time the Berber Calendar has been used on a coin.  The Berber Calendar is a Julian calendar. It begins computing years from 950BC, when Shoshenq I, the first Berber Pharaoh of Egypt rose to power.

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ANGOLA COIN SET INCLUDES 3 BI-METALLICS

This  recent 5 coin set from Angola includes the 50 Centimos, 1, 5 and 10 Kwanzas dated 2012 and the 2014 20 Kwanzas.  The 5, 10 and 20 Kwanzas are bi-metallic.  The 20 Kwanzas depicts Queen Njinga Mbande, who led an armed resistance against Portuguese rule in the mid-17th century.  The 5 and 10 Kwanzas feature the coat of arms of Angola on one side and the denomination on the other. A shifting image is incorporated in the “0” of the 10 Kwanzas that changes from “BNA” to “10” as the coin is moved.  The 1 Kwanzas and 50 Centimos has the denomination on one side and the logo of the National Bank of Angola on the other. 

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MULTI-CURRENCY COIN FROM BENIN 

This unusual coin of Benin is denominated in three different currencies!  The coin is denominated in the local currency: 1500 CFA Francs, a common currency used by a number of African nations that were once French colonies.  More unusual is that the coin is also denominated as 2.30 Euros and 3.45 Swiss Francs.  The 2005 coin was issued to honor (and sell at) the 2005 coin fairs in Basel, Switzerland and Piacenza, Italy. The coin features a map of Europe highlighting the 25 members of the European Union plus Switzerland one one side, and a map of Africa on the other. The coin has a mintage of only 2005 pieces.

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CANNABIS LEAF SHAPED COIN FROM BENIN

In 2011 the West African nation of Benin issued this attractive colored legal tender coin shaped like marijuana leaf!  Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as marijuana, pot, grass, weed and many other names as well has long used for making fiber, rope, oil, paper and medicines.  It is now most famous for its use as a recreational drug.   The 44mm silver-plated copper-nickel coin looks like a green cannabis leaf on one side and has the arms of Benin and the denomination on the other.  It will will supposedly smell like cannabis when rubbed.  I have not tested that claim and do not recommend it if you wish to keep your coin pristine. The coins are denominated as 100 Francs CFA and is Proof.   It has a limited mintage of just 2,500 pieces and comes in a capsule with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.  I expect this unusual coin will be popular with collectors and potheads throughout the world, that is of course, if they remember to order it.  

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BRITISH WEST AFRICA 1/10 PENNY OF GEORGE V 

British West Africa was a currency union for Britain’s colonies in western Africa, including Nigeria, Gambia, Gold Coast (now Ghana) and Sierra Leone.  The 1/10 Penny is a 20.5mm copper-nickel coin with a large center hole.  The hole is supposedly to make it easy for natives without pockets to carry coins on a string. One side has the royal crown, name of the monarch in Latin and the denomination spelled out in words in English and Arabic.  The other side features a hexagram similar to the Star of David and the name of the territory. We have the 1/10 Penny of George V dated 1932.  The coins was struck at the British Royal Mint and is Uncirculated.

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SCARCE SOCCER COINS FROM CAMEROON

To commemorate the 2006 World Cup Soccer Games in Germany, two versions of the 2006 nickel-plated iron 1500 Francs coins were issued by Cameroon.  The coins are quite similar.  They both depict a player kicking a ball into the Brandenburg Gate and a map of Africa on the obverse, and an elephant head and a map of Africa of the reverse.  The only difference between the two is that one version has a small Brandenburg Gate “privy mark” behind the player and the other does not.  The coins have a mintage of only 5000 pieces each.

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STRANGE PYGMY COINS FROM CAMEROONS

These two 2004 dated 750 Franc coins from the Cameroons are a bit unusual. Both coins have the same design; however one is bi-metallic while the other struck in blue cobalt plated iron., giving it a slight blueish tinge.   They honor the Pygmies and feature a small standing pygmy on one side.  The other side features an elephant’s head on a map of Africa.  The coins are 20mm in diameter.  Only 2500 of the blue cobalt plated iron coins were struck and 2005 of the bimetallic coins were struck, making them rather scarce.

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CAMEROON HONORS POPE BENEDICT ON BI-METALLIC COIN 

This bi-metallic 4500 Franc coin was issued for Cameroons shortly after the ascension of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.  The coin features a terrible, toothy portrait of  Pope Benedict XVI.  It makes the Pope look like a vampire.   A map of Africa and an elephant's head is on the reverse.

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CAPE VERDE CELEBRATES 200 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES

Cape Verde issued this circulating bi-metallic commemorative 200 Escudos coin to honor 200 years of friendship with the United States.  The obverse of the 28mm coin depicts the flags of the European Union and the United States and the legend  "200 YEARS OF HISTORIC TIES AND FRIENDSHIP".  The legend on the reverse "200 ANOS DE LAÇOS HISTÓRICOS E DE AMIZADE" which means the same thing in Portuguese.  Also on the reverse is a small map of the United States superimposed on to a map of the Cape Verde Islands and the dates "1818-2018".  In the late 18th and 19th century thousands of Cape Verde residents immigrated to the United States to escape the droughts, volcanoes and neglect by the Portuguese government which controlled the islands at that time. Cape Verdean men, noted for being "hardworking, honest seamen" were frequently hired by New England whaling captains.  Many thousands eventually made their homes in New Bedford, Massachusetts; Providence, Rhode Island and elsewhere in New England where large Cape Verdean communities still exist today.  The coin is Uncirculated, but has tiny bag marks from being shipped loose in bank bags.

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CAPE VERDE CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY WITH BI-METALLIC

Cape Verde is a group of ten islands located 350 miles (570 km.) off the coast of Western Africa.  It gained independence from Portugal in 1975.  To celebrate the 40th anniversary of independence, and the 40th anniversary of its central bank it issued this circulating 28.5mm bi-metallic 250 Escudos dated 2015.  One side, commemorating 40 years of development and features a school teacher, windmills, a family and other images.  The other side commemorates the 40th anniversary of Banco de Cabo Verde.  It includes the national arms and various monetary and financial symbols (looks like the designer had fun with the wingdings fonts).

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LEOPARD ON CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC COIN

A leopard, crouching on a tree limb and about to pounce, is featured on this 1976 10 Sengi coin from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The 17mm aluminum coin has the date and denomination on the obverse. 

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SOCCER COIN FROM THE CONGO DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC  

The Congo Democratic Republic issued  this 2002 dated aluminum 50 Centimes coin to honor the World Cup Soccer Championship.  The coin shows a player heading the ball on one side.  The other side features a standing lion.  .

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BRITISH EAST AFRICAN COIN FROM THE SHORT REIGN OF EDWARD VIII

Edward VIII reigned for less than a year in 1936, before he renounced the throne in order that he could marry Mrs. Wallace Simpson, an American divorcee.  This bronze 10 Cents from British East Africa is one of the few coins that were issued in the name of Edward VIII during his brief reign. One side of the 30mm coin shows four elephant tusks.  The other shows the imperial crown and the name of the monarch.  The coin has a center hole to make it easy for natives to carry it on a string and to make it easily distinguishable from other coins.  British East Africa is now the independent nations of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Somaliland.

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ANCIENT THEMES ON MODERN EGYPTIAN NOTES

Egypt’s ancient heritage is portrayed on these modern Egyptian banknotes.  The statue of Nefertiti is on the 5 Piastres note.  The front of the 10 Piastres note depicts the Sphinx and pyramids and the Mohammad Ali (Alabaster) Mosque in Cairo on the back.  Both notes have watermarks of King Tut.  Because of their minimal buying power, the undated notes no longer circulate.

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EGYPTIAN COIN SET INCLUDES KING TUT AND CLEOPATRA  

Egypt's coins reflect that nations long and ancient heritage  The bi-metallic 1 Pound features King Tutankhamen.  The 50 Piastres depicts Queen Cleopatra.  The 25 Piastres features the denomination on both sides.  The 10 Piastres shows The Mohammad Ali (Alabaster) Mosque in Cairo.  An Islamic vase or hanging lamp is on the 5 Piastres.  The coins date from 2004 to 2010 and are Uncirculated.  It is an attractive set from a nation undergoing a major political change since the 2011 revolution

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EGYPT CELEBRATES SUEZ CANAL EXPANSION WITH TWO COINS

On August 6, 2015, Egypt officially opened a major expansion of the Suez Canal.  The expansion added a second shipping lane, allowing ships to travel in opposite directions at the same time. This nearly doubled the canal’s capacity and decreased the waiting time for ships wishing to use the canal.  The expansion was completed in less than a year from when construction began, a remarkably fast time for such a major project.  The event was celebrated with a national holiday and the release of two circulating commeomorative coins: a 25.1mm bi-metallic 1 Pound coin and a 23mm brass-plated steel 50 Piastres, both dated 2015.  Both coins have a similar design.  One side of the coin features the logo of the Suez Canal Authority which depicts two passing ships.  The other side includes the denomination in both Arabic and English and the AH and AD date in Arabic.  The coins have been in huge demand in Egypt due to the canal’s economic and historical importance.

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SCARCE FIRST COIN OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA 

This 1969 aluminum-bronze 1 Peseta coin was one of the first issued by Equatorial Guinea, formerly known as Spanish Guinea, after gaining its independence from Spain in 1968.  It was formerly known as Spanish Guinea, which included Rio Muni and Fernando Po Island. The coin depicts a pair of elephant tusks, a traditional form of wealth on one side and the national arms on the other.  The coin was used only briefly as a new currency was introduced in 1975. 

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ERITREA WILDLIFE COIN SET    

This 1997 six-coin set are the only coins issued for circulation by Eritrea since it gained its independence from Ethiopia in 1991. Featured on the front of the coins is native African wildlife.  The 100 Cents depicts an Elephant mother and her calf.  A Greater Kudo is on the 50 Cents.  The 25 cents has a Grevy's Zebra.  An Osterich is on the 10 cents. The 5 Cents pictures a leopard sitting on a tree branch.  The 1 Cent features a Red-Fronted Gazelle.  The reverses of the coins depicts soldiers carrying the Eritrean flag.  The coins are struck in nickel-plated steel and are Uncirculated.

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FRENCH EQUATORIAL AFRICA

French Equatorial Africa was a monetary union created by France to provide a common currency for some of its African territories, including what is now Chad, Central African Republic, Congo Republic and Gabon.   It issued few coins, among the last being this aluminum 2 Francs coins dated 1948. The reverse depicts a Loder’s Gazelle.  The obverse depicts Marianne, the national symbol of France, and some ships.  The aluminum coin is 27mm..  

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ATTRACTIVE, POPULAR COIN SET FROM GAMBIA  

Gambia occupies a long (295 miles, 475km.), narrow (7 to 35 miles, 11 to 48km.) strip of land along the banks of the Gambia river in Western Africa. The British purchased it in 1588 making it the first possession in what was to become Britain's once vast African empire.  It was granted independence in 1970.  In 1998, its newly elected government  introduced a new series of coins featuring the nations coat-of-arms on one side. The other side featured important cultural items for this small African nation. The bronze 1 Butut features the nations chief export: peanuts. A native sailboat is on the 5 Bututs. The 10 Bututs shows a native partridge. An oil palm is on the 25 Bututs.  It is an attractive, yet inexpensive coin set.

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2017 SILVER LEOPARD FROM GHANA

A crouching leopard hidden in the grass and ready to pounce, is featured on this attractive 2017 1 troy ounce  .999 fine silver 5 Cedi of Ghana.  The obverse features an unusual leopard skin pattern embedded behind the bust of Queen Elizabeth II.  The 38.6mm coin has a mintage of only 50,000 pieces and comes in a plastic capsule. 

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GHANA 2019 BI-METALLIC 2 CEDIS  

Ghana released a new 2019 dated 2 Cedis.  The bi-metallic coin features numerous advanced security devices, including latent images on both sides and micro-lettering along the rim of the reverse.  The obverse features Ghana's coat of arms.  The reverse depicts Jubilee House in Acca, which serves as the presidential palace.

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KATANGA COIN FEATURES TRADITIONAL FORM OF WEALTH  

A bloody civil war broke out in the Belgian Congo upon it gaining independence from Belgium in 1960.  Katanga, a mineral rich province in the south, declared itself independent from the rest of the Congo. Various factions were supported by the United States and the Soviet Union, while the United Nations tried to negotiate a truce.  This Uncirculated 1961 1 Franc 1961 was issued only a single year.  Shortly thereafter Katanga was forcibly reunited with the Congo.  The coin displays the country's traditional form of money, the Katanga Cross, on one side of the coins. A bunch of bananas is shown on the other.

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ELEPHANT ON OLD, UNCIRCULATED ELEPHANT HALF CENT FROM LIBERIA 

ELEPHANT ON OLD, UNCIRCULATED HALF CENTS FROM LIBERIA
A striding elephant is featured on the obverse of this Uncirculated 1/2 Cent coins from Liberia.  The reverses feature the arms of Liberia which includes an African oil palm, sailing ship and the rising sun.  The coin is 18mm in diameter.  The 1937 issue is struck in a brass alloy and has a mintage of 1 million pieces.   The 1941 issue was struck at the United States mint in Philadelphia and has a mintage of 250,000 pieces.  They are attractive, old, Uncirculated animal coins at a reasonable price.

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RECENT  COINS FROM WAR TORN LIBYA

Since overthrow of dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 Libya has been engaged civil wars between two governments, tribal groups and ISIS all trying to gain control of the oil rich nation   Despite the political chaos, the Central Bank of Libya seems to have been able to keep the economy running.  In 2014 the Central Bank released four new coins into circulation to replace the Gaddafi era coins.. The 27mm bi-metallic 1/2 Dinar features an ancient Roman tomb from Ghirza (Qirza) that is in the Jamahiriya Museum in Tripoli.  The 26mm "Nordic Gold" 1/4 Dinar features a palm tree.  The 26mm 100 Dirhams depicts Berber Granaries in Kabaw.  The 23mm 50 Dirhams appears to depict a well. Both are nickel-plated steel.  All four coins have a shifting latent image that changes as the coin is moved.  The latent images on the ¼ and ½ Dinars change from the denomination to a crescent moon.  Those on the 50 and 100 Dirhams change from a star to a crescent moon. The reverses of the four coins have the denomination and both the AH and AD date. 

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MALAWI COIN SET FEATURES WILDLIFE  & BI-METALLICS

This 9 coin set from Malawi includes two bi-metallics featuring farmers and fishermen as well as some wonderful wildlife coins. The 2006 bi-metal 10 Kwacha pictures a farmer harvesting his crops.  Fishermen gathering fish in nets are on the bi-metal 2006 5 Kwacha. An Eagle in flight is featured on the 1996 brass 1 Kwacha.  The 1996 50 Tambala is a seven sided brass-plated-steel coin showing the nations coat-of-arms.  A mother elephant stroking her calf with her trunk is featured on the 1996 20 Tambala.  Corn, an important staple in the countries diet, is on the 200310 Tambala.  The Purple Heron is on the steel 1995 5 Tambala.  The 1995 bronze 2 Tambala features a spectacular Paradise Wydah bird. The 2003 bronze 1 Tambala shows two fish.   The bust of President Bakili Muluzi is on the obverse of the 10, 20, 50 Tambala snd 1 Kwacha.  The other coins feature the national arms on the obverse.  All 9 coins are Brilliand Uncirculated.

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WILD ANIMALS ON MALI'S FIRST COINS

The central African nation of Mali gained independence from France in 1960.  It issued its first circulating coins in 1961, including this 5 Francs depicting a hippo and 25 Francs depicting a lion.  Both coins are aluminum and have the denomination within a wreath on the reverse

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MAURITANIA SET INCLUDES BI-LINGUAL BI-METALLIC COINS

 
Mauritania’s issued a bi-metallic 2010 50 Ouguiya and a bi-metallic 2009 20 Ouguiya.  Both coins are included in this 4 coin set. Also included are the 2009 copper-plated steel 5 Ouguiya and the 2009 nickel-plated steel 10 Ouguiya. The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a former French colony located in north-West Africa.  It has two official languages, Arabic and French, so one side of their coins is in Arabic with an AH date and the other side is in French with an AD date.

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WHEN A COMPANY RAN A COUNTRY  -  THE MOZAMBIQUE COMPANY

The 1885 Congress of Berlin carved up Africa, granting various European nations control over of the continent.  The boundaries that were set in the conference still make up most of the national boundaries in Africa today.  Portugal was granted control over Mozambique; however it did not have the economic or military resources to control the vast territory.  In 1891 it granted The Mozambique Company (Companhia de Moçambique) a 50 year concession over the central region of Mozambique.  The Company was given almost complete control over the region,  including the right to exploit resources, collect taxes and require the natives to engage in forced labor.  It ran the Post Offices and issued its own currency.  It developed the port of Beira and built a railroad to the landlocked British colonies of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. However it did not have the financial resources needed to develop the rest of its territory and often failed to meet its obligations to the Portuguese government.  Most of its income came from its ability to tax and its power to use conscripted labor on its plantations.   Because of the company's poor performance and changes in the Portuguese government,  the company's concession was not renewed when it expired in 1942.  The Portuguese Government assumed direct control of the region.  The currency issued by the Company was recalled and punch cancelled.  From the Mozambique Company we have the 20 Centavos note dated November 25, 1933 .  The note is punch-cancelled "PAGO 5.11.1942"  (PAID November 5, 1942), which was shortly after the Company lost its concession.   The note wass were printed in London by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co.   It is a fascinating note from a private company that was given control over a nation.

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LAST COINS OF PORTUGUESE MOZAMBIQUE

Portugal granted Mozambique its independence in 1975.  This six coin set includes some of the last coins issued by Portuguese Mozambique.  The coins all have a similar design, with the denomination on one side and the coat-of-arms of Portuguese Mozambique and the date on the other.  The set includes the copper-nickel 10 and 5 Escudos and the bronze 1 Escudo, 50 Centavos and 20 Centavos, all dated 1973 or 1974, as well as the bronze 10 Centavos dated 1960 or 1961, which were the last years they were issued. 

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ATTRACTIVE MOZAMBIQUE COIN SET REFLECTS NATION'S CULTURE    

Due to continuing inflation, Mozambique revalued their currency in 2006, making 1000 of the old Meticais equal to one new Metical.  Attractive new coins were introduced as part of the revaluation.  Included was the bi-metallic 10 Meticais that pictures the Central Bank building.  The 5 Meticais pictures a native xylophone.  A fish is on the 2 Meticais.  A female student is on the 1 Metical. A bird is on the 50 Centavos.  A cotton plant is on the 20 Centavos.  The 10 Centavos pictures tractor plowing a field.  A leopard is on the 5 Centavos and a Rhinoceros is on the 1 Centavo.  All nine coins are dated 2006 and are Uncirculated..  Despite continued inflation,  no further coins have been issued for circulation.

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ATTRACTIVE NAMIBIA COIN SET

This attractive six coin set from Namibia includes a new 2010 bimetallic 10 Dollar coin. The coin features a smiling portrait of the nation’s first President, Dr. Sam Nujoma. The legend on the coin is “20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE BANK OF NAMIBIA”.  2010 also marks the 20th anniversary of the nation’s independence, but the Central Bank obviously thought it was more important to commemorate themselves rather than their country.  The set also includes the brass 5 Dollar coin picturing an African Fish Eagle in flight, a brass 1 Dollar coin with a Bateleur Eagle and the 50, 10 and 5 cent coins struck in nickel-plated steel and depict native trees.  The Namibian arms is on the reverse.  The coins date from 2010 to 2012 and are Uncirculated. 

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2006 COIN SET FROM NIGERIA INCLUDES BI-METALLICS

In 2006 Nigeria issued three new coins:  a 50 Kobo, a bimetallic 1 Naira and a bimetallic 2 Naira dated 2006.  The 2 Naira pictures the national assembly building.  The 1 Naira portrays Herbert Maculay, one of the leaders of the Nigerian independence movement.  Ears of corn are on the 50 Kobo.  The coins are Uncirculated, however there may be a few minor spots.

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SCARCE PORTUGUESE GUINEA BANKNOTES FEATURE SHIPS

These Portuguese Guinea 1971 50 and 100 Escudos were the last banknotes issued before it became the independent nation of Guinea-Bissau in 1974.   The backs of both notes feature a woman looking out at ships through the ages.  Six ships, from ancient times to a modern ocean liner are depicted.  An additional sailing ship is included in the bank seal at the bottom left.  The front of both notes has a portrait and watermark of Nuno Tristao, a Portuguese slave trader and explorer who is traditionally credited with discovering Guinea, though most modern scholars now dismiss the claim.  Notes of Portuguese Guinea are exceedingly scarce.  These two notes together catalog for $170.00.  Due to a fortunate purchase we can offer these scarce and historic notes for substantially less.

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LAST COIN OF PORTUGUESE GUINEA  

Portuguese Guinea, located on the west coast of Africa, was discovered by Portugal in 1446.  It was a desolate outpost of the Portuguese Empire.  During its early years, its chief export was slaves destined for Brazil.  In 1974 the colony was granted independence and became the nation of Guinea-Bisseau.  This 1973 10 Centavos was one of the last coins issued for Portuguese Guinea. One side depicts the nation’s coat-of-arms.  The other features the denomination.  The 19mm aluminum coin has a mintage of only 100,000 pieces.

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LION ON SCARCE COIN OF SHORT-LIVED RWANDA-BURUNDI

After Belgian Congo gained its independence in 1960, Belgium issued a coin for what was left of its African territories: Rwanda and Burundi.   Only a single coin type was issued for the joint territory of Rwanda-Burundi: a brass 1 Franc.  This brass 1961 brass 1 Franc coin features a walking lion on one side.  The other has the names of the territories and the denomination.    In 1962 Rwanda and Burundi were both granted independence

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RWANDA COIN SET  

Rwanda introduced a new series of coins in 2003.  They were the first coins after the genocide of the 1990's. The six coin set includes the 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Francs (also called Amafaranga)  and the bimetallic 100 Francs. The coins all feature a new, revised Rwandan national emblem on the reverse.  The 100 Francs features the denomination on the obverse.  The other denominations feature agricultural crops: sorghum on the 1 Franc, coffee on the 5 and 20 Francs,  bananas on the 10 Francs and an ear of corn on the 50 Francs.  The coins date from 2003 to 2011 and are Uncirculated.

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SCARCE BI-METALLIC COINS OF SAHARAWI  

The Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, also known as Saharaui, is what used to be the Spanish Sahara or Western Sahara.  In 2004 Saharawi issued two bi-metallic 500 Peseta coins.  One coin features a cute pair of Fennecs, a long eared desert fox that is native to Saharawi. The other commemorates the 28th anniversary of nation’s independence (though in reality it is largely controlled by Morocco) and features a map of the country.  The obverse of both coins features the arms of Saharawi, which includes a pair of rifles.  The coins are 26mm in diameter and have a mintage of only 5000 pieces each.

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SAHARAWI ARAB DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC 2010 BI-METALLIC HONORS ARAB CULTURE  

This 2010 dated bi-metal 500 Peseta coin of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic honors Arab culture.  The coin was issued in conjunction with the Namur Expo in 2010.  One side depicts  the national arms which feature a pair of crossed rifles holding flags.  The other depicts traditional Arab hospitality, with one man preparing tea over a small fire while the other plays a flute.  Saharawi, formerly known as Spanish Sahara, declared independence in 1976, however Morocco controls most of its territory.   The 26mm coin has a mintage of only 2500 pieces and is Uncirculated.

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LAST 20 CENTAVO COINS OF PORTUGUESE ST. THOMAS & PRINCE

The St. Thomas & Prince (Sao Tome and Principe) was a Portuguese colony located off the west coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. These two bronze 20 Centavos are the last of that denomination struck before it gained independence in 1975.  Both coins have the same design with the denomination on one side and the arms of St. Thomas & Prince and the date on the other.  The only difference is the 1962 issue is 18mm, while the 1971 issue was reduced to 16mm.   Coins are rarely seen from this small, little known, African island nation.

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LOW MINTAGE GOLD COIN FEATURES LION

      This 2020 gold 4 Dollar coin of Sierra Leone has a mintage of only 199 pieces.  A lion's head is on one side of the coin and the arms of Sierra Leone is on the other.  The 4 Dollar coin is struck in 999.9 gold.  The tiny 11mm gold coin comes in a red presentation case with a certificate of authenticity.  Also available is the large 38.6mm copper-nickel 2020 Sierra Leone 1 Dollar coin with the same attractive design.

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ABOLITION OF SLAVERY SILVER COIN SET 

This set includes all seven silver 2007 dated 2500 Franc coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of Great Britain's abolition of slavery issued for the members of the West African States.  Britain's abolition of slavery put pressure on other nations, including the United States and France, to abolish slavery as well.  The coins are privately issued silver Essai (pattern) coin.  Each is 27mm in diameter, contains .25 troy oz of .999 fine silver and has a mintage of just 850 pieces each. The coins depicts the heroes of the Abolition of Slavery movement on one side and the issuing nations arms on the other.   Included is Olaudah Equiano (also known as Gustavus Vassa) on the Benin coin.  William Wilburforce is on the Burkina Faso coin. The seal of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade is on the Ivory Coast coin. Frederick Douglas is pictured on the Mali coin. Senegal pictures François-Dominique Toussaint Louverture.  Togo honored French abolitionist Victor Schoelcher.  Because the members of the West African States utilize a common currency, they have issued few coins under their own name.  

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ATTRACTIVE SOMALIA COIN SET

This attractive set includes fourcoins from the war-torn African nation of Somalia.  Included are the the 2000 dated 10 Shilling that features a camel, the 2001 brass 25 Shillings depicting a soccer player,    the copper-nickel 2002 50 Shilling pictures a mandrill and the brass 2002 100 Shilling pictures the Queen of Sheba,  who according to legend, ruled the region in ancient times.   The arms of Somalia supported by two leopards is on the obverse.

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SOMALIA HONORS POPE JOHN PAUL II

I am not sure why a good Muslim nation like Somalia would honor Pope John Paul II.  Anyway, in 2004 Somalia issued a set of three 38.7mm copper-nickel 25 Shilling coins titled "THE LIFE OF POPE JOHN PAUL II"  The coins depict the Pope at a window in the Vatican, the Popemobile and the Pope with Mother Teresa.  The Arms of the Somali Republic is on the reverse of each coin.   It is an interesting set of crown-sized Pope coins at a reasonable price.

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SOMALILAND COIN SET   

After the collapse of the government of Somalia in the 1990's, the northern portion of the country, once known as British Somaliland, declared independence. Despite the lack of international recognition, it has one of the better functioning governments in Africa.   This set contains five coins of Somaliland.  The 1994 aluminum 1 Shilling depicting a Somali Pigeon was the first ever coin issued by Somaliland.   Sir Richard R. Burton, the 19th century explorer and writer who explored the area, is portrayed on the 2002 alumium 5 Shilling coin.  A mother and baby Elephant is the 2005 aluminum 5 Shilling.   A monkey is on the brass 2002 dated 10 Shilling coin.  A greyhound dog is on the 2002 stainless steel 20 Shilling coin.  The denomination is on the reverse of each coin.  It is an interesting and attractive set from a successful but unrecognized break-away republic.

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FIRST COINS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

In 1961 South Africa declared itself a republic and broke its ties with Great Britain in order to further its apartheid policies.  Apartheid made those who were not white, second-class citizens in their own country. In 1961 South Africa also introduced a new series of decimal coins. The coins were struck only four years, from 1961 to 1964.  Queen Elizabeth was replaced on the obverses the coins with Jan van Riebeeck. Riebeek founded the first permanent white settlement in South Africa at Cape Town.  The reverses most of the coins utilized designs that had been introduced in the 1920's.  The reverse of the silver 10 Cents continued to feature the attractive image of a woman with an anchor looking out at the ocean, which had been on the Shilling.  The reverses of the silver 5 Cents and 2 1/2 Cents used the designs of the 6 Pence and 3 Pence, which featured a Royal Protea, the national flower of South Africa.  The brass 1 Cent had a new design which featured a Boer covered wagon.  The brass 1/2 Cent depicted a pair of sparrows, which was adapted from the previous farthing.  All five coins were struck at the Pretoria mint and are Brilliant Uncirculated.  It is an attractive and historic set from a turbulent period of South Africa's history.

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2019 SOUTH AFRICA CHILDREN & EDUCATION RIGHTS COINS

These two 2019 dated 2 Rand coins of South Africa feature two of the basic human rights listed in South Africa's constitution: the rights of children and the right to education. The constitution was drafted shortly after the 1994 election which brought an end to the country's Apartheid regime.  It was formally promulgated in 1996. The right to education coin depicts a graduation cap, open book and a children's alphabet block.  The rights of children coin depict four children from different ethnic groups.  The arms of South Africa is on the reverse of both of the 23mm nickel-plated coins.

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COMMEMORATIVE BI-METALLIC 5 RAND FROM SOUTH AFRICA  

South Africa regularly issues circulating bi-metallic 5 Rand coins.   The 2017 issue commemorates the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambao.   The Order is presented by the President of South Africa to foreign citizens who have promoted South African interests.  The order includes a suspended medal and a carved wooden walking stick, both of which are depicted on the coin.  The coin was issued on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Oliver Reginald Tambao.   Tambao, was a founding member of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League in 1943 and was President of the ANC from 1967 to 1991.    The 2015 issue commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the Griqua town coinage.  The coins were the first local currency of South Africa.  The coin depicts the obverse and reverse of the 1815 silver Griqua town 5 pence.  Griqua town, now called Griekwastad is located in Northern Cape Province of South Africa.  It was settled primarily by descendents of European male colonists and indigenous Khoikhoi women who called themselves Bastaards.  The London Missionary Society established a mission there in 1805.  The Society thought the name was offensive and convinced them to change it to Griqua, which was a corruption on the name of the native group that once inhabited the area.   The Griquas were formidable traders and held formal trade fairs, though most commerce was done by barter owing to a lack of money.  Around 1815 the London Missionary Society arranged for the Griqua coins to be struck and shipped to South Africa. It is unclear how widely the coins actually circulated.   The 2014 issue commemorates “20 Years of Freedom”.  In 1994 South Africa implemented a new constitution and held its first general election with universal suffrage.  The election was won by the African National Congress, which has been in power ever since.  The design features a line of people waving a South African flag.  The coins all are 26mm with a brass center and copper-nickel ring.  The arms of South Africa and the name of the country in one or two of its official languages is on the reverse.

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SUDAN COIN SET

In January 2007 Sudan released a new series of coins that were dated 2006.   Included was the 1 Piastre which features traditional pottery.  The 5 Piastres depicts the arms of Sudan  A Meroe pyramid is on the 10 Piastres.  The pyramid dates from about 300BC to 350AD when Meroe was the capital Kingdom of Kush. The bi-metallic 20 Piastres pictures an Ankole Bull. A dove is on the bi-metallic 50 Piastres.  In 2011 a 1 Pound coin depicting the Central Bank building was also issued.  The reverses of the coin include the denomination in Arabic and English.  The coins are Uncirculated, but like most coins of the Khartoum mint, they tend to be poorly struck.

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ATTRACTIVE NEW SUDAN NOTE FEATURES GOLD BARS & BOAT

The front of this attractive new 2018 Sudan 50 Pound note features a stack of gold bars (maybe to make people think the currency is worth something), the Central Bank building and a map of Sudan.  The back depicts a sailing boat and a heard of camels. The note utilizes the two official languages of Sudan, the front is in Arabic, the back in English.  The colorful note includes many sophisticated anti-counterfeiting devices including a foil strip with holographic images, front/back registration and a watermark.

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SWAZILAND COIN SET

Swaziland is a land-locked nation in southern Africa.  It is an absolute monarchy, ruled by King Msawati III and his mother. The king has 15 wives.   This attractive seven coin set from Swaziland includes includes the 5, 10, 20, 50 Cents 1 Lilangeni, 2 and 5 Emalageni.  The  2011 copper-plated steel 5 Cents shows an Arum Lily. The 2011 copper-plated steel 10 Cents features sugar cane.  An Elephant head is shown on the  2011 copper-nickel 20 Cents.  The Swazi arms supported by a lion and an elephant are on the 12-sided 2007 50 cent.  The 2011 brass 1 Lilangeni shows the king's mother, who wields significant power in this tradition based nation.  The 2010 2 Emalageni shows a lily.  The 2008 5 Emalageni commemorates the King’s 40th Birthday. King Msawati III, is on the front of all the coins.  In 2018 the country was renamed eSwatini.

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WILDLIFE COINS OF TANZANIA     

Animals are featured on this high-catalog value set from Tanzania.  Tanzania, located on the coast of Africa, was founded when Tanganyika, formerly German East Africa, merged with Zanzibar in 1964. The set includes the multi-sided 1976  5 Senti which shows a sailfish, the scalloped 1979 10 Senti which shows a Zebra, the 1984 20 Senti which shows an Ostrich, the  1989 50 Senti which shows a rabbit and the 1990 1 Shillingi features an outstretched arm holding a torch. 

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LOW MINTAGE 1996 ATLANTA OLYMPIC PATTERN COINS FROM TANZANIA

In the 1990's a firm in London named the International Currency Bureau, Ltd, commonly known as ICB , attempted to win contracts to issue coins for various third world nations.  They would design and strike a limited number of pattern coins for each country in hopes of winning a contract.  Though many of their issues were attractive, they were unable to win any major contracts.  After a few years they went bankrupt and were liquidated.  In 1996 ICB produced a number of pattern 2000 Shilingi coins for Tanzania. The coins all commemorated the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta Georgia, the Olympics Centenary and the 15th Anniversary of the Independence of Tanzania. The 38mm coins were struck in various metals, with both reeded and unreeded edges.   The reverse features various Olympic athletes.  The obverse featured the arms of Tanzania and the denomination. 100 of each variety of the  coins were struck.  We recently acquired a very limited number of these scarce and attractive pattern coins.  They are some of the scarcest 1996 Atlanta Olympic coins available! The coins are all denominated as 2000 Shillingi or 2000 Shilingi and are Proof.  Some of the brass issues may be be slightly toned.  Items are listed by the Bruce number as listed in the Unusual World Coins book.

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FIRST COINS OF TOGO & CAMEROON

Following World War I, France acquired portions of the former German colonies of Togoland (Togo) and Kamerun (Cameroon). These 1 and 2 Franc coins were minted for the French colonies of Togo and Cameroon from 1924 to 1926 at the Paris Mint.  They were the first coins issued for each of these territories.  The aluminum-bronze coins all have a similar design. Marianne, the national symbol of France is on the obverse. The name of the territory denomination and three branches are on the reverse.  The 1 Franc is 22mm in diameter, the 2 Franc is 27mm. The Togo 2 Francs has been cleaned.

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TOPLESS WOMAN ON LOW MINTAGE BIMETALLIC TOGO COIN    

This scarce unofficial bi-metallic 6000 CFA Francs coin of Togo features a topless Guin woman.  The Guin are one of the major tribes in Togo.  The reverse features the head of an elephant and a map of northern Africa.  From the 16th to 18th Centuries Togo was a major slave trading center, thus earning the name "Slave Coast".  It was claimed by Germany in 1884, transferred to France after World War I, and became independent in 1960. The 2003 dated coin is 28mm in diameter, has a mintage of only 1,200 pieces and a catalog value of $35.00

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MULTI-SIDED COINS FROM UGANDA

This attractive 1987 Uganda set includes four  multi-sided coins. The copper-plated steel 1 and 2 Shillings are 12-sided coins.  The stainless steel 5 and 10 Shillings are seven sided. One side of the coins features native plants and foodstuffs.  The other has the Ugandan arms which includes a crested crane and an oryx upholding a native shield. The coins were struck only a single year.  All coins are Brilliant Uncirculated. 

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WEST AFRICAN STATES COIN SET

The West African States is a monetary union that issues notes and coins for the nations of Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bisseau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger and Togo.  All the member countries use the same notes and coins for circulation, thought they have issued non-circulating coins for collectors.  This five coin set includes the aluminum-bronze 5, 10, and 25 Francs and the nickel 50 and 100 Francs.  The obverese of each coin depicts a Taku Ashanti gold weight.  The Ashanti tribe made brass weights for weighing gold, though the weights themselves would often pass for  The Taku Ashanti gold weight design is the emblem of the Central Bank of  West African States (Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest  or BCEAO).  The reverse of the 5 Francs has the head of a Gazelle.  The 10 Francs depicts people getting water from a well.  A female chemist is on the 25 Francs. The 50 Francs features beans, grains and nuts.  Flowers are on the reverse of the 100 Francs.  The coins are dated from 1972 to 2000 and are Uncirculated.

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SCARCE WEST AFRICAN COINS 

The West African States is a monetary union made up of former French colonies in Western Africa.  They all use a common currency and the same coins in all the countries.  Until now, the member nations have issued few, if any coins under their own name.  In 2003 coins were issued for all seven members of the West African States through the West African Development Bank.
Benin issued a  nickel-plated steel 1500 Franc coin that features a buffalo and a bird. Burkina Faso, formerly known as Upper Volta, released its first coin ever.  It is a bi-metallic (aluminum-bronze/copper-nickel) 6000 Franc coin that features birds and a Rhinoceros. From Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire) comes its first coin since 1966.  It is a nickel-plated steel 1500 Franc coin that features a pair of elephants embracing each other with their trunks. The nickel-plated steel 1500 Franc coin of Mali features a Gazelle under a tree. Niger issued its first coin since 1968, and its first ever non-precious metal coin. It is a brass-colored 3000 Francs that features a lion. Senegal issued its first ever non-precious metal coin.  It is an aluminum-bronze 3000 Franc coin that features a Galago, a small primate that is commonly called a Bush Baby. Togo issued three bi-metallic 6000 Franc coins. The first features a pair of embracing elephants. Another features a bare-breasted Guin woman.  The third features Gnassingbe Eyadema, who has served as President of that nation continuously since 1967, making him the longest ruling leader in Africa.  The coin lists the dates of his Presidency as 1967 - 2003, as he had previously had announced he would retire in 2003.  Like so many African rulars, he decided not to retire after all. (suprise, suprise!).
The coins  have a mintage of only 1200 pieces each.  As might be expected, most of the coins were grabbed by government and bank officials upon their release.  Because these nations have issued so few coins, they are avidly sought after by one-coin-from-a-country collectors, as well as animal collectors.  We sold out of most issues the first time we offered these, however were lucky enough to find a new supply.
Item TG-ELEP TOGO 6000 FRANCS 2003 ELEPHANT BI-METAL  Br.X20  UNC. $39.50

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RARE ZAIRE COIN SET

In 1971 African dictator Mobuto Sese Seko changed the name of his nation from the Congo Democratic Republic to Zaire. He also called the monetary unit of his country Zaire.  Zaire is a local name for the Congo River.   This three-coin set includes the 1, 5 and 10 Zaires. As might be expected, Mobuto is pictured on his coins.  After years of mismanagement he was overthrown in 1997, and the name of the country was restored to Congo Democratic Republic. Each of the coins was struck only a single year, the 1 and 5 Zaires are dated 1987 while the 10 Zaires is dated 1988.

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ZAMBIA 1992 WILDLIFE SET 

This attractive four coin set from Zambia features four species of their native wildlife. An Oryx is on the 21mm brass 5 Kwacha, a pair of eagles is on the 19.2mm brass 1 Kwacha, a rare Kafue Lechwe is on the 22.5mm nickel-plated steel 50 Ngwee and a crowned hornbill bird is on the20mm nickel-plated steel 25 Ngwee.  The arms of Zambia is on the obverse of each coin. All four coins are dated 1992, the only year these coins were issued. All four coins are Uncirculated. They make an excellent addition to any collector's "zoo".

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ZIMBABWE 2003 COIN SET 

In 2003 Zimbabwe minted two new high denomination coins, a 10 Dollar coin picturing a water buffalo and a 25 Dollar coin showing a group of soldiers.  By the time the coins were designed and minted, ongoing inflation made them almost worthless, so they were not released to circulation at that time.  In August 2008 Zimbabwe revalued their currency for the second time by removing 10 zeros from the currency.  As part of the 2008 revaluation, the 2003 dated $10 coin (worth $100,000,000,000.00  of the old currency) and $25 (replaces $250,000,000,000.00 of the old currency) were finally released.  The coins however circulated only very briefly as inflation continued to increase and within a few weeks the coins were again worthless.  

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ZIMBABWE PETROL RATION COUPONS USED FOR MONEY 

As Zimbabwe's economy spiraled into complete collapse due to its incompetent government policies, corruption, and massive inflation, shortages developed for most essential items.  Petrol (Gasoline) and Diesel were rationed.  The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe issued the ration coupons which were required in order to purchase fuel.  Because of the rapidly depreciating currency, fuel ration coupons soon became a parallel currency.   Even though fuel was often not available, many merchants accepted the ration coupons rather than the Zimbabwe Dollar in payment for goods and services, as their value was more stable.  We offer a set of two unissued Zimbabwe fuel ration coupons.  One is good for 5 Litres (Liters); the other is good for 20 Litres (about 5 gallons).  The coupons were released around 2005 and could be used to purchase either Petrol or Diesel.   They are an interesting item that was used for money during a time of economic crises.

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NEW ZIMBABWE 2020 BANKNOTES

Zimbabwe recently released new 10 and 20 Zimbabwe Dollar notes dated 2020 in an attempt to re-establish their own currency.  Zimbabwe had a disastrous bout of hyperinflation between 2007 and 2009, with banknotes denominated as high as 100 Trillion Dollars.  Inflation was only brought under control when Zimbabwe stopped issuing its own currency and switched to using foreign currencies, including the U.S. Dollar and South African Rand.  Recently Zimbabwe outlawed the use of foreign currency in order to introduce the new Zimbabwe Dollar.  The new currency has been met with widespread skepticism and distrust.  The new Zimbabwe Dollar is supposedly equivalent to a U.S. Dollar but since cannot be converted to U.S. Dollars  it trades for far less.  Inflation soared to over 700% in May 2020.   Like most modern Zimbabwe banknotes, the front of the new notes pictures the Chiremba Balancing Rocks.  The red 10 Dollar note depicts the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe building and a herd of Cape Buffalo on the back.  The blue 20 Dollar note depicts an elephant and Victoria falls on the back. 

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