Catalog
100 Francos CFA Essai
| Issuer | Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (BEAC) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1985 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 100 Francos CFA |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Central field features a finely engraved design of three giant eland antelopes (Taurotragus derbianus) depicted in profile, their impressive spiral horns rising prominently above tall savanna grasses rendered in detailed relief. The composition conveys naturalistic movement and depth, characteristic of the skilled medallic work of engraver G.B. Bazor, whose signature appears at the lower right of the field. The legend REPUBLICA DE GUINEA ECUATORIAL curves along the upper periphery in raised Latin lettering, while the Monnaie de Paris mintmark appears at the lower left of the field. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
The BEAC was established in 1972 to issue a common currency across six central African states — Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon — all tied to the French franc at a fixed parity guaranteed by the French Treasury. Essai pieces like this one were struck in limited numbers as trial or pattern submissions, distributed primarily to collectors and monetary authorities rather than released for circulation.
KM#E31 essais from this period are notoriously difficult to find with original mint packaging intact.