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OUT OF AFRICA

COINS & CURRENCY OF AFRICA

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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COLONIAL FRENCH ALGERIA

This copper-nickel 1949 20 Francs is one of the only French colonial coins issued specifically for Algeria.  The obverse of the 23mm coin depicts Marianne, who is the symbol of the French Republic.  The back has the denomination, date and "ALGERIE" with two wheat stalks.  The coin was demonetized after Algeria gained its independence in 1964.



ALSO SEE:

WORLD WAR II COIN FOR NORTH AFRICA: France 5 Francs 1940 minted for use in Algeria KM888a.1

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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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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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ELEPHANT FROM THE BELGIAN CONGO 

This brass 1 Franc coin of the Belgian Congo (now the Congo Democratic Republic) features a striding elephant.  First issued in 1944, during World War II, it was also struck in 1946 and 1949.   It is 19.2mm in diameter.   The coin is always popular with coin collectors and elephant lovers.  

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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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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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BURUNDI COIN SET 

Burundi is a small, landlocked nation in central Africa.  Because it does not have a mint of its own, it rarely issues coins.  The four coin set includes the most recent coins of Burundi, though some are decades old.  Included is the 2011 nickel-plated steel 50 Francs depicting a drummer holding a drum on his head.  Drumming is an important part of Burundi’s culture and their drummers have achieved worldwide fame.  The 2011 nickel-plated steel 10 Francs depicts bunches of bananas.  Both coins have the name of the country and legends in three languages on the obverse.  The 1980 5 Francs and the 2003 1 Franc both feature the national arms and are struck in aluminum.

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COLONIAL COINS FOR FRENCH CAMEROON

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 obverse features Marianne, the personification of the French Republic, and steam ships.   The 23mm aluminum coin is Brilliant Uncirculated.

Also see:
FIRST COINS OF TOGO & CAMEROON

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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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DEATHSTALKER SCORPION ON CHAD SILVER COIN

A Deathstalker Scorpion is depicted on the reverse of this attractive 2017 silver 500 Francs coin from the African nation of Chad. Though only about 2 inches (5 cm) long, its sting can kill a human. Its venom however has shown promise in treating cancer and diabetes, which are two of the major causes of death in humans. There seems to be a bit of a paradox in that.  The obverse depicts the national arms of Chad.  The 39mm legal tender coin is struck in .999 fine silver and has a mintage of only 50,000 pieces.  The coin has a beautiful Proof-like finish and comes in a protective capsule.

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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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CONGO NOTES FEATURE WILDLIFE & CULTURE

This set of four attractive banknotes from the Democratic Republic of the Congo features the country’s wildlife and culture.  The 2003 dated 10 Francs features native carvings, with a carving of a couple embracing on the front and one of a man holding a bowl on the back.  The 2003 20 Francs features a male lion on the front and a female lion and her cubs on the back.  The 2007 50 Francs  features a wooden mask on the front.  The back depicts a fishing village on the Congo river and fish.  The 2007 100 Francs note features an elephant on the front.  The back depicts the Inga II dam and hydroelectric power plant.  Inaugurated in 1982, the 1400 Megawatt plant is to be part of the Inga hydroelectric project that is supposed supply electricity to much of southern Africa. Due to poor management and lack of maintenance the dam produces only about 20% of its capacity and is not even able to ensure reliable power to Kinshasa.  Despite its failure, plans are underway to build additional phases of the project.  All four notes have a watermark of the head of an Okapi and are Uncirculated. 

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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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CAMELS FROM DJIBOUTI

Djibouti is strategically located between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.  It is an important transshipment point and is home of United States, French, Chinese, Japanese and Italian military or support bases.  It achieved independence from France in 1977.  This attractive 30mm copper-nickel Djibouti 100 Francs depicts a pair of camels.  Camels were a traditional export and mode of transportation in the region.  The obverse features the arms of Djibouti, which include two machetes, a spear and a shield.

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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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EAST AFRICA COINS FEATURES LION

A walking lion is featured on these two coins of East Africa. East Africa was a currency board for the British colonies in East Africa that later became the independent nations of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Somaliland.  The 21mm copper-nickel 50 Cent (Half Shilling) and 27.8mm copper-nickel 1 Shilling both feature the same design.  British King George VI is on the obverse.  The coins date from 1948 to 1950

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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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ETHIOPIA COIN SET INCLUDES  BIMETALLIC

This six coin set from Ethiopia includes the 1 Cent to the bi-metallic 1 Birr, dating from 1977 to 2010.  All six 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.  The bi-metallic 1 Bir shows a balance scale and is dated EE2002 (AD2010).

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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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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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OLD, UNCIRCULATED ELEPHANT HALF CENT FROM LIBERIA 

A striding elephant is featured on the obverse of this Uncirculated 1941 1/2 Cent coin from Liberia.  The reverse features the arms of Liberia which includes an African oil palm, sailing ship and the rising sun.  The 18mm coin was struck in the United States at the Philadelphia mint and has a mintage of 250,000 pieces.  Liberia was settled by freed American slaves starting in 1822.  In 1847 they formed the Republic of Liberia, Africa's first republic.  Its government and flag was modeled after that of the United States.  It is an attractive old, high-grade animal coin 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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WORLD WAR II COIN OF FREE FRENCH MADAGASCAR

In 1943 Madagascar issued its first coins, including this bronze 50 Centimes.  After Germany invaded France in World War II, the French colony of Madagascar declared its allegiance to Free France rather than submit to German rule.  It arranged to have coins struck at the South African mint. The coin includes a number of patriotic French symbols in order to emphasize their independence from the Germans.  The obverse features a rooster, the national symbol of France, a shield with the letters “RF” for “Republique Francaise”, and the name of the colony.  The reverse shows a Patriarchal Cross and the French mottos “Liberte Egalite, Fraternite” and “Honneur, Patrie”.   The coin is technically Uncirculated, but has spots and stains from improper storage in the tropics.

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ATTRACTIVE MADAGASCAR COINS HIGHLIGHT AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE

This six-coin set from the Republic of Madagascar reflects the nations agricultural heritage.  The 1 Ariary features a Poinsettia on one side and the head of a Zebu on the other.  The 2 Ariary pictures a Vanilla plant and the Zebu head.  A rice plant is featured on the 5 Ariary.  A man cutting peat is on the seven-sided 10 Ariary.  A farmer plowing a field is on the 20 Ariary.  The Avenue of the Baobabs is depicted on the eleven sided 50 Ariary.  The towering trees line a dirt road.  They are all that is left of what was once a dense forest.  The coins date from 1996 to 2005 and are Brilliant Uncirculated.  The set catalogs for $37.50, however our price is much less.

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MALAWI COIN SET INCLUDES WILDLIFE  

This 7 coin set from Malawi includes some wonderful wildlife coins.  An Eagle in flight is featured on the brass 1 Kwacha.  The 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 20 Tambala.  Corn, an important staple in the countries diet, is on the 10 Tambala.  The Purple Heron is on the steel 5 Tambala.  The bronze 2 Tambala features a spectacular Paradise Wydah bird. The bronze 1 Tambala shows two fish.   The obverse of the coins feature the nations arms on the lower three denominations and President Bakili Muluzi on the higher denominations. The coins are dated 1995 or 1996.  The coins are Uncirculated though the bronze coins may have some spots.

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NEW MAURITANIA COINS 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 six new coins are 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 2 Ouguiya and the 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 1/5 Ouguiya is dated 2017, the others denominations are 2018.

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MAURITANIA COIN 2009-10 SET INCLUDES BI-METALLICS

 
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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SCARCE MAURITANIA COIN SET 

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.  We offer a set of the five coins of Mauritania:  the 1/5 Ouguiya, which was struck only a single year in 1973, the 2003 1 Ouguiya, the 2004 5 Ouguiya, the 2004 10 Ouguiya, and the 2004 20 Ouguiya.  All five coins are Uncirculated.  It is an interesting set of coins that is difficult for collectors to find.

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2012 MOROCCO 3 COIN SET

This 3 coin set from Morocco includes a 2012 brass-plated steel 10 Santimat, a 2012 nickel plated Steel 1 Dirham and a 2002 bi-metallic 10 Dirhams. The 1 and 10 Dirham have King Mohammed VI on the front.  The 10 Santimat features a bee and a flower.  The arms of Morocco are on the back of all three coins.

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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. In 1929 the Mozambique Company took over the issuance of currency within its territory. Most of the company's trade was with the British colonies so  it chose to issue its notes in the British Pound Sterling.  Lower denomination notes were issued in Centavos, with 100 Centavos equal to 1 Pound Sterling.     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 and the 5 Pound note dated January 15, 1934.  Both notes are punch cancelled "PAGO 5.11.1942"  (PAID November 5, 1942), which was shortly after the Company lost its concession.   The notes were printed in London by Bradbury, Wilkinson & Co.   They are fascinating notes  from a private company that ran a country.

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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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NIGER "FLIRT" SILVER COLOR COIN INCORPORATES A JEWEL

This sterling silver 1000 Francs coin of Niger includes a color image of "The Flirt" by Alphonse Mucha and a small heart-shaped amethyst gemstone.  The image, featuring a man and women in formal 19th century clothing, is from an Art Nouveau advertising poster created for Flirt Biscuits in France in 1899 by Mucha.   The inscription   "L'AMOUR NE VOIT PAS AVEC LES YEUX, MAIS AVEC L'ÂME" translates as "Love does not see with the eyes but with the soul".  The obverse includes the coat of arms of Niger and the denomination.  The 2012 dated coin is 38.61mm was minted by the Helvetic Mint in Switzerland.  It has a mintage of just 1000 pieces and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.  It is an unusual coin from a country that has produced few coins. 

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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.  Taira 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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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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PRETTY & SCARCE RWANDAN BANKNOTE

The Rwanda 1998 Rwanda 5000 Francs was one of the first notes issued after the Rwandan Genocide in 1994 and was the highest denomination the country had ever issued. The front depicts the highly regarded traditional Intore dance. The back depicts the National Bank Building. The Uncirculated note incorporates watermarks in the design.  It is a scarce and attractive note. 

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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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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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NEW COINS OF ST. THOMAS & PRINCE FEATURE BIRDS

St. Thomas and Prince (São Tomé and Príncipe) 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 are the 10, 20, 50 Centimos and 1 and 2 Dobras. The coins feature the coat-of-arms on the obverse and native birds on the reverse.

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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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WARLORD NOTE OF SOMALIA

After the overthrow of the government of Somalia in 1991 the country quickly collapsed into anarchy as various warlords attempted to establish dominance.  The United States sent troops into Somalia to try to stop the fighting, but with little success. This attractive 50 N.Shilin note was issued by Ali Mahdi Mohammed, a warlord who controlled northern Mogadishu.  The note was made to pay his troops who were battling Mohammed Farah Aideed in the “Banana War”.  The war was about who got to collect the taxes on Somalia’s banana exports! The scarce, multi-colored note shows a man working a loom on the front.  The back shows a banana plant and a young person leading a donkey carrying three children. The note is dated 1991, but was issued later.  We offer the note at far less than its $15 catalog value.

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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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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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ONLY COINS OF SOUTH SUDAN INCLUDE ANIMALS & BI-METALLICS 

After decades of war, South Sudan finally gained its independence from Sudan in July 2011. Apparently, they were so used to fighting they could not stop.  Since 2013 South Sudan has been engaged in almost continuous civil wars. South Sudan released their first and thus far, only coins in 2015.  The 27mm bi-metallic 2 Pounds coin features an African shield and spears.  The 25mm bi-metallic1 Pound coin depicts a mother Nubian Giraffe and her calf.  The nickel-plated steel 50 Piastres features a Northern White Rhino.  A Shoebill Stork from the Northern Bahr-el Ghazal State flag is on the brass-plated steel 20-Piasters.  The copper-plated steel 10 Piasters features an oil derrick.  All five coins are dated 2015. The obverses of all the coins show the national emblem of South Sudan and the date.  Because of the non-stop fighting and rapid deterioration of the economy the coins saw little circulation and are difficult to obtain. 

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SCARCE SUDAN CROWN  

In 1972 Sudan issued a double commemorative 50 Ghirsh coin. The 40mm copper-nickel coin was the nation's first commemorative.  It honored two totally seperate events.   The obverse depicted the national emblem and commemorated the 3rd anniversary of the May 25 Revolution.  The reverse featured a farmer guiding a plow being pulled by a pair of cattle and was part of the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) coin program.  1 Million pieces were struck in 1972.  In 1976 and additional 30,000 pieces were struck, still with the 1972 date and with the same basic design, but with slightly different images.  On the obverse the tip of the eagle's wing points to the Arabic 2 (٣)  in the 1976 issues rather than the 5 (٥) as on the 1972 issue.  On the reverse the image of the farmer and his cattle is smaller and in lower relief on the 1976 issue than the 1972 issue. Based on the differences in how the coins were struck I suspect the 1972 issue was minted in Europe while the 1976 issue was minted in Khartoum.  Even though the 1976 issue is much rarer it is still quite reasonably priced.

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SCARCE SUDAN COIN SET

This four-coin set includes the Sudan 1988 aluminum-bronze 10 Ghirsh and the 1989 nickel-plated steel 25, 50 Ghirsh and 1 Pound. The coins feature the Central Bank Building and were struck at the Khartoum Mint. The mint had limited resources due in part to the civil wars with South Sudan and other regions, so the coins tend to be poorly struck.  Since gaining its independence in 1956, Sudan has been engaged in costly civil wars between various regions. Because of the wars and political isolation of Sudan, its coins are rarely offered for sale.

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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-sided1976  5 Senti which shows a sailfish, the scalloped 1979 10 Senti which shows a Zebra, the 1979 20 Senti which shows an Ostrich, the  1989 50 Senti which shows a rabbit and the 1992 1 Shillingi features an outstretched arm holding a torch.  the coins are Brilliant Uncirculated and together catalog for over $14.00.  Our price is MUCH less..

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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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RECENT TANZANIA COIN SET FEATURES WILDLIFE

This Tanzanian coin set includes the four denominations currently in circulation, including the recently released 500 Shilling coin.  All four coins feature native wildlife on the reverse and a politician on the obverse. The reverse of the recent 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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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 KM20 Br.X20  UNC. $39.50

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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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2012 ZAMBIA COIN SET FEATURES WILDLIFE   

On January 1, 2013, Zambia released four new coins featuring African wildlife.  The 2012 dated coins were issued as part of a 1000 to 1 revaluation of Zambia's currency. The nickel-plated steel 1 Kwacha depicts the Zambian (Chaplin's) Barbet bird and is 24mm in diameter.  An African Elephant is on the 21mm brass-plated steel 50 Ngwee.  An Eland is pictured on the 20mm brass-plated steel 10 Ngwee.  The 5 Ngwee features the Zambezi Indigobird, also known as the Twinspot.  The nickel-plated steel coin is 19mm in diameter.  All four feature the Zambian arms and the date on the obverse.

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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 TRILLION DOLLAR BILLS!

On January 16. 2009 Zimbabwe released the highest denomination notes ever issued by a national government, including the $10 Trillion and 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 notes 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 notes are Uncirculated and guaranteed to be genuine.  

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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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ZIMBABWE’S "BOND COINS"  

In 2009, after a decade of hyper-inflation, Zimbabwe allowed foreign currency to circulate.  The U.S. dollar and South African Rand displaced quickly the discredited Zimbabwe dollar and Zimbabwe ceased issuing its own coins or currency.   Because of a shortage of small change, Zimbabweans were forced to take small items such as candy, cigarettes or pens as change.  In December 2014 Zimbabwe attempted to remedy the situation by introducing a new series of coins denominated in U.S. cents. The new coins are called “Bond Coins” because they are backed by a $50 Million bond held by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. The coins have not been widely accepted due to continued distrust of the government.   The government will not exchange the coins for U.S. dollar, so there is some question if the coins are really backed by dollar bonds.  The four coins released were the 1, 5, 10 and 25 Cents dated 2014.  In March 2015 a 2014 dated 50 Cent Bond coin was released.  A bi-metallic 1 Dollar was released dated 2016 was released in 2016.  All six coins have similar designs. One side has the denomination and the words “BOND COIN”.  The other side features date over the repeated initials RBZ (for Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe). Interestingly, the name of the country appears nowhere on the coin. The plated-steel coins were struck at the South African mint in Pretoria.

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ALSO SEE:

AFRICAN SLAVE BRACELET MONEY
THE COIN WITH A SOUL:  West African Kissi Penny
AFRICAN BI-METALLICS CELEBRATE VISITS BY POPE JOHN PAUL II
BENIN 6000 FRANCS 2005 OLYMPICS, BIMETAL
CAMEROONS 4500 FRANCS 2005 BENEDICT XVI
CAMEROON COIN CAN HONOR YOUR WEDDING OR ANNIVERSARY
SCARCE BI-METALLIC COINS OF SAHARAWI
SAHARAWI ARAB DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC 2010 BI-METALLIC HONORS ARAB CULTURE

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