Catalog
| Issuer | French West Africa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1956 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 10 Francs (10 FCFA) |
| Currency | CFA franc (1944-1958) |
| Composition | Aluminium bronze (91% Copper, 9% Aluminium) |
| Weight | 4 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Thickness | 1.7 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Lucien Georges Bazor |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#6, Schön#6 |
| Obverse description | Marianne`s head, facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap with traditional French cockade dividing the date along with the privy mark above 19 of date (the wing was the symbol of Engraver General at the time of striking) along with the mintmark (a cornucopia was the symbol of Monnaie de Paris) and the G.B.L. Bazor signature on the collar. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
19 56 REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE G.B.L. BAZOR (Translation: French Republic) |
| Reverse description | Leptoceros gazelle head within stalks of maize divides denomination; rim at the top is linked sorghum (an agricultural food crop). |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
10 Fs AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE FRANÇAISE (Translation: French West Africa) |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint |
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Mintage |
1956 - - 20 000 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1198853990 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued in 1956, this 10 Francs coin from French West Africa (AOF) emerged during the twilight years of the Fourth French Republic. Under President René Coty, France was grappling with the complex process of decolonization, even as it sought to maintain a unified French Union. The coin served as a tangible symbol of economic integration across the vast federation of French West African territories, including Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Guinea, at a pivotal moment just prior to their individual paths to independence.
Artistry: The coin's design adheres to the neoclassical allegorical tradition prevalent in French mints of the era. While a specific engraver like Lucien Bazor or Pierre Turin is not always individually credited for every colonial issue, the style often reflects their influence. The obverse typically features a stylized head of Marianne, embodying the French Republic, while the reverse showcases a graceful gazelle, symbolizing the indigenous fauna and spirit of the African territories. The execution is characterized by clean lines and a dignified, if somewhat idealized, representation of both metropolitan and colonial identities.
Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium bronze, an alloy known for its durability and good striking properties, this 4-gram, 23.5-millimeter coin typically exhibits a strong strike. Key high-points for grading include the fine details of the gazelle's horns and musculature on the reverse, and the hair strands and facial contours of Marianne on the obverse. Collectors should look for full definition in these areas, along with original luster, as aluminium bronze can show wear on the fields relatively quickly. Planchet quality and evenness of strike are also important indicators of technical excellence.