10 Francs Lion, large type

Niger issued this coin in 1968, just eight years after independence from France, during a period when Hamani Diori's government was actively cultivating an international image of stability to attract foreign investment and aid. The franc CFA remained the operative currency in daily transactions; these silver pieces were almost certainly struck for collector and diplomatic purposes rather than commerce.

KM#8.2 distinguishes this as the large-type variety — a die classification separating it from the earlier KM#8.1 strikes, with the size difference concentrated in the central design elements.