Niger gained independence from France in 1960, but its early coinage was largely managed through the West African Monetary Union. The 1968 Lion franc issues were struck at the Paris Mint as part of a short-lived series of national prestige pieces — not intended for circulation but for diplomatic gifting and collector markets abroad. The "small type" designation distinguishes it from the KM#8.2 variant, differentiated by die details in the lion's rendering.
Niger gained independence from France in 1960, but its early coinage was largely managed through the West African Monetary Union. The 1968 Lion franc issues were struck at the Paris Mint as part of a short-lived series of national prestige pieces — not intended for circulation but for diplomatic gifting and collector markets abroad. The "small type" designation distinguishes it from the KM#8.2 variant, differentiated by die details in the lion's rendering.