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1 Centime - Léopold II

Issuer Congo Free State (1885-1908)
Year 1887-1888
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Currency Franc (1887-1960)
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Obverse description Four crowned royal cyphers of Léopold II, composed of interlaced 'L' monograms, are arranged symmetrically around the central round hole, with decorative foliate or palm-branch elements between them. A royal crown surmounts the topmost monogram, while the design radiates outward toward a beaded inner border. The circular legend reads 'LEOP. II R. D. BELGES SOUV. DE L'ETAT INDEP. DU CONGO', separated by a small star at the top. The field between the monograms and the outer legend is defined by a dotted circle. The overall composition is engraved in a precise Neo-Renaissance style characteristic of Léopold Wiener's work.
Obverse script Latin
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Reverse description A large five-pointed star, rendered with fine radiating lines and a dotted outline along its inner edges, is centered on the reverse with the round hole at its center. Six small five-pointed stars are distributed in the field between the points of the main star. The denomination '1 Cme' (1 Centime) is inscribed in the upper field to the left and right of the star's uppermost point. The date '1888' appears in the lower exergual area, flanked by the engraver's initials 'L' and 'W'. The entire design is framed by a beaded border.
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