Catalog
100 Francs CFA - Bokassa I
| Issuer | Central African Republic |
|---|---|
| Year | 1978 |
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| Value | 100 Francs CFA (100 XAF) |
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|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The large numeral '100' dominates the central field, rendered within an ornate beaded cartouche with decorative inner framing. The word 'FRANCS' is inscribed below the numeral, with the date '1978' beneath it. The entire central device is encircled by a stylised geometric border of alternating zigzag and rectangular link motifs in the traditional Central African decorative style. The curved legend 'BANQUE DES ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE CENTRALE' runs along the upper rim within a segmented arc panel. |
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| Reverse lettering | BANQUE DES ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE CENTRALE 100 FRANCS 1978 (Translation: Bank of Central African States 100 Francs 1978) |
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| Additional information |
This coin exists because Jean-Bédel Bokassa, having ruled the Central African Republic as president-for-life since 1966, declared himself Emperor in December 1977 in a coronation ceremony that cost an estimated $30 million — roughly a third of the country's annual government revenue, largely financed by France. The imperial coinage followed in 1978. French paratroopers deposed him the following year after his personal involvement in the massacre of schoolchildren who had protested against compulsory uniforms sold by a company he owned.