THE UNUSUAL KATANGA CROSS
By Joel Anderson

Katanga is a rich copper mining region is the south-eastern portion of Zaire. An unusual form of money, consisting of large, heavy, copper crosses was used in the region in the 19th and early 20th century. The crosses, about 6 to 9  inches (15cm. to 24 cm ) across and weighing  1 to 2 pounds (500 to 1000 grams ) were cast by native coppersmiths. A single cross might buy 10 kilos of flour or 6 axes. 2 crosses could purchase a gun.

The Katanga region declared its independence from The Congo (now Zaire) shortly after Belgium granted the region its independence in 1960. In 1961 Katanga issued its first coins, a copper 1 Franc and 5 Franc for circulation. A gold version of the 5 Franc was also issued as a non-circulating commemorative. As an homage to it's heritage, the coins pictured the Katanga Cross. After years of fighting Katanga was forcibly reunited with The Congo in 1963.

Katanga CrossKatanga 1 Franc coin




JOEL ANDERSON
 INTERESTING WORLD COINS & PAPER MONEY
www.joelscoins.com
Joel Anderson
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Grover Beach, CA 93483-0365 USA

phone 1 805 489 8045    fax 1 805 299 1818
email: orders@joelscoins.com

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