Catalogus
| Uitgever | Western African States |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 1961-1975 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | 1 Franc CFA (1 XOF) |
| Valuta | CFA franc (1958-date) |
| Samenstelling | Aluminium (95% Aluminium, 5% Magnesium) |
| Gewicht | 1.3 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Dikte | 1.59 mm |
| Vorm | Round |
| Techniek | Milled |
| Oriëntatie | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Graveur(s) | Gabriel Bernard, Lucien Bazor |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | KM#3.1, Schön#10, KM#3.2, KM#3 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Emblem of Central Bank of West African States and denomination |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde |
1 F. BANQUE CENTRALE ETATS DE L`AFRIQUE DE L`OUEST (Translation: 1 Franc Central Bank of [the] West African States) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | A gazelle with the date below |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde | 1965 |
| Rand | Smooth |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
1961 - KM#3.1 - 3 000 000 1962 - KM#3.2; with signature - 2 000 000 1963 - KM#3.2; with signature - 4 500 000 1964 - KM#3.1 - 10 498 000 1965 - KM#3.1 - 5 502 000 1967 - KM#3.1 - 2 500 000 1971 - KM#3.1 - 8 000 000 1972 - KM#3.1 - 4 000 000 1973 - KM#3.1 - 4 500 000 1974 - KM#3.1 - 4 504 000 1975 - KM#3.1 - 18 080 000 |
| Numisquare-ID | 4995891770 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: The 1 Franc CFA coin, issued for the Western African States between 1961 and 1975, emerged during a pivotal era following the independence of numerous French West African territories. While these nations gained political sovereignty, they largely opted to remain within the Communauté Financière Africaine (CFA) franc zone, maintaining economic stability through a currency pegged to the French franc. This period represents a complex interplay of burgeoning national identities and continued economic integration, with the coin serving as a tangible symbol of this shared monetary system across multiple independent states, rather than under a single ruler.
Artistry: The coin's design features a prominent stylized gazelle head on the obverse, a motif widely attributed to the renowned French engraver Raymond Joly. This choice of African fauna is emblematic of the continent's rich natural heritage and symbolizes grace and agility. The reverse typically displays the denomination "1 FRANC CFA" and the year of issue, often encircled by agricultural symbols such as ears of corn or coffee beans, representing the primary economic activities and aspirations of the region. The overall stylistic school is modern and functional, emphasizing clear symbolism over intricate detailing, characteristic of post-colonial coinage designed for broad circulation.
Technical/Grading: Struck in Aluminium (95% Aluminium, 5% Magnesium), this coin has a light weight of 1.3 grams and a diameter of 23 millimeters. Key high-points for grading include the tips of the gazelle's horns, the contours of its muzzle, and the eye on the obverse. On the reverse, the raised elements of the agricultural motifs and the lettering for the denomination are critical. Due to its lightweight aluminium composition, the coin is susceptible to bag marks and scratches, which can obscure finer details. While generally well-struck by the Monnaie de Paris, minor planchet flaws or areas of slightly weaker strike, particularly on the larger fields, are not uncommon.