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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 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 333 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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SCARCE PORTUGUESE ANGOLA COIN

Portuguese explorers reached Angola in 1484. Portugal established settlements and trading posts along the coast in the 16th century.  Much of the trade consisted of exchanging manufactured European goods for slaves from local slave traders then exporting the slaves to Brazil.  Though the slave trade was formally abolished in Angola in 1836, it continued illegally for some years.  Portuguese control of Angola slowly extended inland in the 19th century, though the boundaries were not finally delineated until the 1920's.  A war for independence broke out in 1961 that continued until independence was finally granted in 1975.   Upon gaining independence a civil war erupted in Angola between various pro-independence factions, which continued for another 27 years.   This 1967 Portuguese Angola 2 1/2 Escudos was struck in Lisbon during Angola's war for Independence. The 20mm copper-nickel coin features the coat of arms of Portuguese Angola on one side and the and Portugal's national emblem on the other.  It has a catalog value of $10.00.  Due to a fortunate purchase we can offer it for much less.

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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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FRENCH CAMEROON COINS FEATURE GAZELLE

After World War I, the German colony of Cameroon was divided between France and Great Britain. France issued this 1 Franc for French Cameroon in 1948.  The reverse features a Loder’s Gazelle.  In 1960 Cameroon was granted independence. The southern portion of British Cameroon joined the Republic of Cameroon while the northern portion joined Nigeria.   The obverse features a winged femail bust with steam ships in the background. The reverse depicts the head of Rhim gazelle (Gazella leptoceros) which is also known as a Loder's Gazelle. It is an endangered species and none exist in the wild in Cameroon.   The 1 Franc is 23mm, the 2 Franc is 27mm.  Both are aluminum.

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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 COIN CAN HONOR YOUR WEDDING OR ANNIVERSARY 

A pair of wedding rings and Champaign glasses are featured on these Cameroon 7500 Franc coins dated 2006. Below the rings is a blank area where you can engrave names, initials or dates to honor your engagement, wedding or anniversary. The reverse features an elephant head and a map of Africa. The 30mm coin is available both in silver-plated or gold-plated brass. It is an interesting “customizable” coin.

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POPE BENEDICT HONORED ON BI-METALLIC CAMEROON COIN 

This unofficial 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 COIN SET

Cape Verde is a group of 10 volcanic islands off the coast of Africa.  They were uninhabited until settled by the Portuguese in 1462. They remained a Portuguese colony until independence in 1975. The 1982 10 and 20 Escudos feature the busts of two "heroes of independence" who had little direct involvement with Cape Verde gaining independence.  The 10 Escudos depicts Eduardo Mondlane.  He was a profession of anthropology and history at Syracuse University prior to returning to Mozambique to lead the Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO). He was assassinated in 1969.  Domingos Ramos, who appears on the 20 Escudos, fought against the Portuguese in Portuguese Guinea.  The denomination and national emblem is on the reverse of both copper-nickel coins.

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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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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 LACOS HISTORICOS 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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SCARCE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC COIN

The Central African Republic and Chad is a member of the Central Africa States Monetary Union.  Because the Monetary Union issues coins and currency in its own name for all its members, the member states have issued few circulating coins of their own.  This 1983 100 Francs of the Central African Republic utilizes a similar design as other Central African States Monetary Union 100 Francs.  It features the heads of three giant elands.  

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COELACANTH FROM COMOROS

The Coelacanth is known as a “living fossil”.  The primitive fish was believed to be long extinct until a scientist found one in a fisherman's net.  It turned out the folks on the Comoros islands had been eating them for years.  A Coelacanth is featured on this 31mm aluminum 5 Francs dated 1984 or 1992. It was issued by Comoros in conjunction with the World Fisheries Conference. The other side features coconut palms and coconuts.  Comoros is a republic located on a group of small islands off the east coast of Africa.   It is an attractive coin with an unusual fish.

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COMOROS COIN SET

Comoros is an island nation between Madagascar and Mozambique in the Mozambique Channel.  It has had an unstable government ever since gaining independence from France in 1975 it has had more than 20 coups or attempted coups and multiple assassinations.  This four coin set of Comoros includes the 2013 bi-metallic 250 Francs which commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Central Bank, 2013 stainless steel 100 Francs depicting a fish and a fishing boat, the 2020 50 Francs portraying  the Mosque of the Sultns and The 2013 25 Francs which features eggs and 4 chicks hatching   The top three denominations all have the Comoros emblem featuring a crescent moon and four stars.

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DJIBOUTI 40 FRANCS NOTE CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

Djibouti recently released this colorful 40 Franc note to celebrate their 40 years of independence from France. The attractive note won multiple awards for its distinctive and attractive design.  Djibouti is a small nation at the mouth of the Red Sea.  Due to its strategic location, the United States, France, China and Saudi Arabia all have military bases in Djibouti.  The front of the colorful note depicts a Whale Shark swimming through a coral garden. The Whale Shark is the largest species of fish and can weigh up to 47,000 pounds (21,000 kg).  Other fish and shells are visible only when the note it tilted.  The back depicts containerships and cranes.  The note has a watermark of the arms of Djibouti.  The note is 152 x 69mm.

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EGYPT'S ANCIENT & ISLAMIC HERITAGE ON BANKNOTE SET

Egypt celebrates both its ancient and its Islamic heritage on its 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.  The 25 Piastres depicts the Al-Sayida Aisha mosque in Cairo on the front and the arms of Egypt on the back.  The 50 Piastres features the Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo and the statue of Pharaoh Ramses III.  The 1 Pound note depicts the Sultan Qaitbay mosque and the statues at the Abu Simbel Temple.  The Ahmed Ibn Toulon mosque and an ancient Pharaonic wall inscription is on 5 Pound note.  The notes feature a watermark of King Tut and were issued between 2002 and 2020. 

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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 2012.  It is an attractive set from a nation undergoing a major political change since the 2011 revolution

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2021 EGYPTIAN CIRCULATING COMMEMORATIVE COINS

Egypt recently released a number of circulating commemorative coins in an effort to bolster support of the government.  The coins have a common obverse which includes the name of the country in Arabic, the denomination in Arabic and English and both the AD and AH dates.  The 1 Pound coins are 25mm bi-metallic with a brass-plated steel center in a nickel-plated steel ring.  The 50 Piastres are 23mm brass-plated steel coins.  


The 69th anniversary of National Police Day is commemorated on a 2021 1 Pound coin.  Police Day is in remembrance of the 50 police officers of the Ismaila Police Station that were killed or wounded when the British attacked the police station with tanks on January 25, 1952 after the police refused abandon the station and hand over their weapons.  January 25 was declared a national holiday in 2009 by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to recognize the efforts of Egyptian police to maintain security and stability. On Police Day in 2011 widespread protests against police brutality and corruption led to a revolution which overthrew President Mubarak. The bi-metallic coin features a winged eagle emblem and the Arabic numbers 69. 


Egyptian Medical Teams are honored on 50 Piastre and 1 Pound coins.  The coins feature four doctors.  In order to avoid offending conservative Muslims, the doctors have no facial features.  The coin is triple dated, bearing the date 2020 beneath the doctors, and AD 2021 and AH 1442 on the obverse.


"Decent Life" is an initiative of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's improve rural areas of Egypt.  The multi-year project, started in 2019, aims to improve sewer, water, electricity, natural gas and internet access in villages, improve housing, as well as health and education projects.  The Decent Life 50 Piastre and 1 Pound coins both feature a female farmer, wheat ears, and the Decent Life emblem, which looks like a smile in a box. The coins are dated 2021. 

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RECENT EGYPTIAN BI-METALLIC 1 POUND COINS

Egypt regularly issued circulating 25mm bi-metallic commemorative 1 Pound coins. The coins usually carry a common obverse that includes the name of the country, denomination and year of issue with both the AD and AH date, all in Arabic.  Unusually, some coins include a date of an event that is different year of issue.  Even more unusual is that some issues include a specific date in the design.   In 2021 Egypt commemorated the 75th Anniversary of their Conseil D'Etat (Counsel of State), which are that nation's administrative courts.  In 2022 Egypt marked the 150th anniversary of their National Library and Archives, an event that actually took place in 2020!  The coin depicts a stylized book and the dates 1870 2020.  Egypt marked the opening of The Sphinx Avenue in Luxor on another 2022 commemorative.  The coin features the date 25-NOV-2022 when The Sphinx Avenue was officially opened to the public with great pomp and ceremony after over 70 years of excavation and restoration.  The Sphinx Avenue includes 1057 ancient sphinx and ram-head statues that had been buried under the sands for centuries.   Another 2022 coin marked International People with Disabilities Day which took place on December 3, 2022.  The coin incorporates that date into the design along with symbols for five types of disabilities and a handshake in the center.  The design was a runner-up for Best Circulating Coin of the Year.  Egypt also issued their regular 1 Pound coin in 2022 which features the famous gold funerary mask of Pharoah Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut.

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FIRST COINS OF ESWATINI

On April 18, 2018, the 50th Anniversary of his nation's independence, the King of Swaziland changed the name of his country from Swaziland to Eswatini.  The name means land of the Swazis. Coins bearing the new name and dated 2018 were released.  The designs follow that of the previous Swaziland coins.  King Mswati III is on the obverse.  The 10 Cents has sugar cane on the reverse, the 20 cents an elephant head and the 50 cents features the national arms on the reverse.  The king's mother, Queen Ntfombi, is on the reverse of the 1 Lilageni.

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ETHIOPIA COIN SET

This five coin set from Ethiopia includes the 1 Cent to the 50 Cents, dating from 1977 to 2004.  All five coins feature a lion’s head on the obverse.   The 1 Cent shows a farmer and two oxen.  The 5 Cents features a soldier. The 10 Cents shows a Mountain Nyala.  The 25 and 50 Cents features Ethiopians with upraised arms carrying tools and weapons. 

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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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FIRST COINS OF GHANA

Ghana, formerly the British Colony of Gold Coast, declared independence on March 6, 1957.  Its first coins included these bronze 1958 1/2 and 1 Penny.  The obverse features its first President and Prime Minister Kwame Nkrumah with the legends in Latin, a language few know in Ghana.   The reverse includes a star, date and denomination.  The coins were struck only one year.

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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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LESOTHO 50th ANNIVERSARY BI-METALLIC COIN

The Kingdom of Lesotho celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from Great Britain with this 2016 bi-metallic 5 Maloti coin.  An unflattering portrait of King Letsie III is on the obverse.  Beneath him is the date and a small basotho hat, which serves as an emblem of the nation.  The reverse features the arms of Lesotho.

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RECENT COIN SET OF LESOTHO

Lesotho is a small kingdom, completely surrounded by South Africa.  The designs on this five-coin set of Lesotho feature the nation's culture and heritage.  All the coins feature the national arms on the obverse.   Native flora is on the 2018 20 Lisente.  A man on horseback is on the 2018  50 Lisente.   One of its early kings, Moshoeshoe I is shown seated in native garb on the 2016 1 Loti. Maize is on the 2018 2 Loti and wheat on the 2010 5 Maloti. Both are important crops for this poor nation.  It is an interesting set from a small African nation.

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LESOTHO 50th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE

The Kingdom of Lesotho celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from Great Britain with this 2016 bi-metallic 5 Maloti coin.  An unflattering portrait of King Letsie III is on the obverse.  Beneath him is the date and a small basotho hat, which serves as an emblem of the nation.  The reverse features the arms of Lesotho.

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ELEPHANT ON OLD, UNCIRCULATED ELEPHANT HALF CENT 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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LIBERIA'S FIRST CIRCULATING COINS IN OVER 20 YEARS!

Liberia released two new circulating coins dated 2022.  They are the first coins made for circulation by Liberia since 2000.  The 20mm nickel-plated steel 5 Dollar coin depicts Edward James Roye.  Roye was born in Ohio in 1815 and emigrated to Liberia in 1846. He was Liberia's Chief Justice from 1865 to 1868 and President from 1870 until he was overthrown in 1871, He died under mysterious circumstances a few months later.  The 23mm nickel-plated steel 10 Dollar coin depicts Joseph Jenkins Roberts.  Roberts was born free in Virginia in 1809.  He was a successful merchant, but facing discrimination, he emigrated to Liberia in 1829.  He served as a Bishop in the Liberian Methodist Church. "He was the first President of Liberia from 1848 to 1856 and its seventh President from 1872 to 1876.  His birthday is a national holiday in Liberia.  Both Roye and Roberts emigrated to Liberia from the United States as part of the American Colonization Society's plan to send Black Americans to Africa.  Below the portraits of the two Presidents is a latent image that changes from stars to the denomination as the coin is moved.  The reverses feature the denomination and a map of Liberia.  The inscription "LONE STAR FOREVER" refers to the one star on the Flag of Liberia.

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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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ODD SHAPED MADAGASCAR COIN SET

Madagascar is a large island off the east coast of Africa.  This three-coin set consists of the 10, 20 and 50 Ariary.  The 1992 seven-sided 10 Ariary depicts a man cutting peat. A farmer plowing a field with a tractor is on the 1994 20 Ariary.  The Avenue of the Baobabs is depicted on the eleven-sided 1996 50 Ariary.  The towering trees line a dirt road.  They are all that is left of what was once a dense forest.  The name of the country on 10 Ariary names appears as Democratic Republic of Madagascar.  On the other two name the country Madagascar Republic. 

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COLORFUL MADAGASCAR BANKNOTE SET

Madagascar introduced a new, colorful series of banknotes in 2017.  The theme of the series is "Madagascar and its riches," including economic activities, biodiversity, culture and tourist sites.  All the notes tactile geometric features for the sight-impaired at the upper front corners,  a zebu head watermark and images of a butterfly and a map of Madagascar.  The 5-note set includes the 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 Ariary.

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ENDANGERED FROG COINS OF MALAWI

Malawi released a series of 10 multi-colored silver-plated Proof 10 Kwacha coins depicting endangered frogs in 2010.  A different species of endangered frog is depicted on each of the coins in vibrant colors.  Included is Blue Poison Arrow, Dyeing Poison Arrow, Darwin Frog, Panamanian Gold, Purple Frog, Carrikeri Harlequin, Golden Harlequin, Tree Frog, Amazon Horned, Malagasy Rainbow.   The obverses of the coins include the Malawi coat of arms, denomination and date. The 39mm coins are Proof and have a mintage of only 10,000 pieces each.   The Standard Catalog of World Coins only lists six of the ten coins in the set. Those that are listed have a catalog value of $24 each.  Due to a fortunate purchase we can offer this attractive set for much less.

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ANIMALS ON THE FIRST COINS OF MALI

Mali gained independence from France in 1960.  In 1961 it issued its first coins for circulation: these aluminum 5, 10 and 25 Francs.  The 5 Francs depicts the head of a hippopotamus, a head of a horse is on the 10 Francs, and a Lion’s head is on the 25 Francs.  The reverses of the coins have the denomination and leaves.  All three coins are Uncirculated and are now difficult to obtain.

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RARE MALI 25 FRANCS

The central African nation of Mali has issued few coins for circulation.  Its first coins for circulation were issued in 1961, shortly after achieving independence from France.   The next issue was not until the mid-1970's, when this aluminum 25 Francs was released.  Since then no further coins have been released for circulation.  The 27mm coin has inscriptions on one side and a sorghum plant on the other.  Sorghum is an important food crop for the improvished nation.

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MAURITANIA 2017 COIN SET INCLUDES ANIMALS, MUSIC, BI-METAL & TRI-METAL  

On January 1, 2018 the west African nation of Mauritania issued new coins in conjunction with a 10 to 1 currency revaluation. The  new coins included a tri-metallic 20 Ouguiya depicting a camel and her baby, the 10-sided bi-metallic 10 Ouguiya features a Zebu. Native musical instruments are on the nickel-plated steel 7-sided 5 Ouguiya, a Tuareg teapot is on the nickel-plated steel 1 Ouguiya and a fish is on the copper-plated steel 1/5 Ouguiya.  The national seal is on the obverse of each coin.  The coins were minted in advance for the revaluation and are dated 2017

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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 COIN OF PORTUGUESE MOZAMBIQUE

This 1974 bronze 20 Centavos was one of the last coins issued by Portugal for its colony of Mozambique. The following year Mozambique was granted independence.  The 16mm coin depicts the arms of Portuguese Mozambique on one side and the denomination on the other.  

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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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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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PORTUGUESE GUINEA CELEBRATES ITS DISCOVERY

In 1946 Portuguese Guinea, now Guinea-Bissau, issued this bronze 1 Escudo commemorating the 500th anniversary its "discovery" in 1446 by Portuguese slave trader Nuno Tristao. It was the first and one of the only commemorative coins for any of Portugal's many colonies.  The coin features the arms of Portuguese Guinea.  The reverse had the denomination and dates 1446-1946. Until the mid-19th century slave trading was the primary business of Portuguese Guinea. . The local African rulers sold slaves to the Portuguese who had two outposts on the coasst.  The Portuguese would then ship them to Brazil. Portugal granted Guinea-Bissau independence in 1974.  The coin is Uncirculated, though may have some minor toning or tiny spots. 

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KISSING GIRAFFES AND DANCING ELEPHANTS FROM RHODESIA & NYASALAND

Great Britain issued a joint coinage for their African colonies of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, which are now the independent countries of Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe.   The 1958  Rhodesian and Nysaland bronze Half Penny depicts a pair of giraffes which appear to be kissing.  The bronze 1962 penny a pair of elephants that appear to be dancing!  Both coins are made with a center hole.   The reverses have the name of the colonies, denomination and date.

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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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AFRICAN ANIMALS ON 2020 SAHRAWI COIN SET  

The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, also known as Saharaui, or Western Sahara, is what used to be the Spanish Sahara. Though it declared independence from Spain in 1975, Morocco also claims the region and currently controls about 80% of the territory.  This non-circulating 5-coin 2020 dated set of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic features African wildlife.   The 1 Pesesta depicts a Black-collared lovebird.  An African Buffalo is on the 5 Peseta.  A lion is on the 10 Peseta.  Th 25 Peseta features a hippopotamus. The 50 Peseta portrays a Gorilla.   The obverse of all the coins depict the national arms, which features a pair of crossed rifles holding flags.  The 1 Peseta is aluminum, the others are nickel-plated steel.

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LAST COIN OF PORTUGUESE ST. THOMAS & PRINCE

The Saint Thomas and Prince islands (Sao Tome and Principe) are located off the west coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. They were uninhabited when Portugal discovered them in 1470.  Portugal established the first successful settlement on the islands in 1493.  For many years the islands grew sugar and were a major center of slave trading.   With the decline of sugar production and the outlawing of the slave trade, cocoa became the major export crop starting in the late 19th century, with the islands eventually becoming the world’s largest cocoa producer.  Cocoa production declined substantially after the country obtained independence from Portugal in 1975 and the cocoa plantations were nationalized.   The aluminum 1971 10 Centavos was one of the last coins issued for St. Thomas and Prince while it was Portuguese colony.  The 16mm coin has the denomination on one side and the arms of Portuguese St. Thomas and Prince on the other.  Coins are rarely seen from this small, little known, African island nation.

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RECENT ST. THOMAS & PRINCE COINS FEATURE BIRDS

St. Thomas and Prince (Sao Tome e Principe) are a former Portuguese colony off the west coast of Africa. On January 1, 2018 it did a 1000 to 1 revaluation of their currency. New coins dated 2017, were issued.  Included is the 10, 20, 50 Centimos, 1 and 2 Dobras. The coins feature the coat-of-arms on the obverse and native birds on the reverse.

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BEAUTIFUL POLYMER NOTES OF ST. THOMAS & PRINCE 

Saint Thomas and Prince (Sao Tome e Principe) is a poor island nation off the west coast of Africa, yet they have some of the most attractive banknotes in the world.  These 5 and 10 Dobras polymer notes are dated 2016, but were not released into circulation until 2018.  There issued for a 1000 to 1 revaluation of the Dobra and as part of the 25th anniversary celebration of the Central Bank.  The notes were designed and printed by De La Rue. The fronts of these beautiful notes depict a butterfly. The notes have two see-through windows, one featuring a butterfly, the other Rei Amador, who in 1595 led a slave revolt against the Portuguese.  The back of the 5 Dobras features a Sao Tome shrew and a map of the islands.  The 10 Dobras pictures a Sao Tome prinia bird and a map.

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BIG 5 AFRICAN WILDLIFE COINS FROM SIERRA LEONE

Sierra Leone released a series of five copper-nickel 1 Dollar coins depicting the Big Five African game animals.  The term Big Five refers to the Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard and Cape Buffalo. The term was originally used by big game hunters referring to the five African animals that were most difficult to hunt on foot.  Now it is widely used by safari tour operators.  This set of five 2019 1 Dollar coins features the head of each of the animals styled as though it is an African mask.  The African pattern is carried over to the incused rim. The obverses of the coins depict arms of Sierra Leone and the date.  The coins are 38.6mm in diameter.  Each coin has a maximum mintage of only 10,000 pieces.

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2022 SIERRA LEONE COINS FEATURES MUSICIANS AND THEIR INSTRUMENTS

In July 2022 Sierra Leone did a 1000 to 1 currency revaluation and introduced a new series of coins.  The coins feature popular Sierra Leonian musicians on one side and their instrument on the other.  Sierra Leone is the only country that highlights musicians on all their circulating coins.  I suspect the designs are a lot more popular with the public than live dictators or dead politicians. The bi-metallic 50 Cents features accordionist and singer Salia Koroma.  The 10-sided, bi-metallic 25 Cents depicts blind musician Bassie Sorie Kondi wearing sunglasses and a Kalimba.  The 8-sided 10 Cents depicts Sooliman Ernest Rogers, a highlife and palm wine musician and guitarist and a guitar.   The scalloped edged 5 Cents pictures Jazz and Afropop musician Israel Olorunfeh Cole, popularly known as Dr. Oloh, along with a traditional Djembe drum.  Singer Sullay Abu Bakarr and a microphone are on the 1 Cent coin.

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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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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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SOUTH AFRICAN BANKNOTES FEATURE WILDLIFE & NELSON MANDELA

Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first Black President who helped lead the transition from that countries apartheid government to a democracy is featured on the fronts of these attractive recent attractive South African banknotes.  He also appears in the watermark on each of the notes.  The backs feature South African wildlife.   A rhinoceros is on the green 10 Rand note, an elephant is on the brown 20 Rand note and a lion is on the red 50 Rand note.  South Africa has 11 official languages. so the name of the central bank appears in different languages on the back of each note.

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SOUTH SUDAN BANKNOTES AND COINS FEATURE WILDLIFE

South Sudan is one of the youngest and poorest nations in the world. After a long civil war, South Sudan finally gained its independence from Sudan in July 2011. Since then, the nation has suffered from multiple civil wars, floods and droughts. The South Sudan 2016 10 Pound note depicts a pineapple and a Cape Buffalo cow and her calf on the back.  The back of the 2017 20 Pound note pictures an oil derrick and a Oryx and her young.  The front of the notes picture and have a watermark of John Garing, a leader in the country's independence movement.  Also available is a three-coin set from South Sudan which includes the copper-plated steel 10 Piasters depicting an oil derrick, the brass-plated steel 20 Piasters depicting a Shoebill Stork and a nickel-plated steel 50 Piasters depicting a Northern White Rhino.  The obverses of the coins have the arms of South Sudan.  All three coins were struck only a single year: 2015.

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CIVIL WAR IN SUDAN

Civil War broke out in Sudan in April 2023 between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).   The RSF was created by former president and military strongman Omar al-Bashir in 2013 to crush uprisings in Darfur and elsewhere.  In 2017 it was al-Bashir made it an "independent security force".  In 2019 the Sudanese Armed Forces joined with the RSF to overthrow al-Bashir and set up a transitional civilian government.  In October 2021 SAF and RSF then overthrew the civilian government.  Unable to come to an agreement on power sharing, a civil war broke out between the two armed forces, forcing thousands of civilians to flee for their lives.  This 2017 10 Pound note of Sudan pictures a baobab (Tabaldia) tree, mountains and a camel. The back features the Presidential Palace, which was damaged during the current civil war.  The note includes a watermark, holographic stripe and a security thread. It is 155x69mm.  The 2006 10 Piastres coin depicts one of the famous Meroe Pyramids.  The pyramids date from between 720BC and 350AD.  The copper-nickel coin is 20.4mm.   The bi-metallic 2006 20 Piastres features an Ankole Bill.  The coin is 22.2mm.  Both coins were struck at the Khartoum mint for only a single year.

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TANZANIA COIN SET FEATURES WILDLIFE  

This Tanzanian coin set includes the four denominations currently in circulation.  All four coins feature native wildlife on the reverse and a politician on the obverse. The reverse of the 500 Shillings features an African Buffalo along with a shifting image that changes from the numeral "500" to "BOT" as the coin is moved.    A pair of lions is on the reverse of the 200 Shillings.  Both coins depict Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, the first President of Zanzibar on the obverse, and are dated 2014.   Four running impalas are on the reverse of the 100 Shillings.  The obverse features Julius Nyerere, who led Tanganyika to independence, and became the first President of Tanzania after it was unified with Zanzibar.   The seven-sided 50 Shilingi features a rhinoceros and her calf.  An oxpecker bird sits atop the rhino.  Ali Hassan Mwinyi, the second President of Tanzania is on the obverse.  The 100 and 50 Shillings are dated 2015.

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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.

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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 100 TRILLION DOLLAR BILL!

On January 16. 2009 Zimbabwe released the highest denomination note ever issued by a national government: the infamous $100 Trillion dollar bills.  Despite the government "outlawing inflation" (which is about as effective as outlawing the tides from rising), inflation soared to an estimated 231 million percent per year in 2008, the highest ever in history.  Rather than attempting to solve the problem the government just kept printing money in order to pay the army and government employees.   There was a severe shortage of everything, except freshly printed bills. The note circulated for only about 2 weeks before being replaced.  On February 2, 2009 Zimbabwe did a Trillion to 1 currency revaluation and the short-lived notes were replaced.  About the same time, Zimbabwe’s citizens were allowed to use foreign currencies and the discredited Zimbabwe dollar ceased to be used.  The front of the notes picture the Chiremba Balancing Rocks. The back of each note features two vignettes of Zimbabwe.  They are a fascinating lesson on what happens when the government creates too much money. The note is  148 x 74mm and guaranteed to be genuine.  

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NEW ZIMBABWE CURRENCY

Despite the previous disastrous inflation brought on by issuing huge quantities of unbacked currency, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is again issuing unbacked currency.  In 2019 it released new 2 and 5 Dollar notes, followed by 10 and 20 Dollar notes in 2020, then 50 and 100 Dollar notes in 2021 (dated 2020).  The government unsuccessfully tried to outlaw the use of foreign currencies in order to force the acceptance of the Zimbabwe notes, but was forced to backtrack after government employees refused to accept pay in their own government’s currency.  The notes all feature the Chiremba Balancing Rocks on the front.  The backs depict Zimbabwe scenes and wildlife.

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