100 Francs CFA - Bokassa I

Emisor Central African Republic
Año 1978
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 100 Francs CFA (100 XAF)
Moneda CFA Franc (Bank of Central African States, 1973-date)
Composición Nickel
Peso 7 g
Diámetro 25.5 mm
Grosor
Forma Round
Técnica Milled
Orientación Coin alignment ↑↓
Grabador(es) Gabriel Bernard, Lucien Bazor
En circulación hasta
Referencia(s) KM#8, Schön#8
Descripción del anverso Antelopes (3 Giant Elands), also known as Lord Derby Elands (Binomial Name: Taurotragus derbianus) facing left with the issuer name above.
Escritura del anverso Latin
Leyenda del anverso EMPIRE CENTRAFRICAIN G.B.L.BAZOR CR
(Translation: Central African Empire G.B.L.Bazor CR)
Descripción del reverso Denomination and date within circle.
Escritura del reverso Latin
Leyenda del reverso BANQUE DES ETATS DE L`AFRIQUE CENTRALE 100 FRANCS 1978
(Translation: Bank of Central African States 100 Francs)
Canto Milled
Casa de moneda Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and
Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date)
Tirada 1978 a - - 1 200 000
ID de Numisquare 5091600060
Información adicional

Historical Context: This 1978 100 Francs CFA coin commemorates Jean-Bédel Bokassa's self-proclaimed Central African Empire, a short-lived and controversial regime (1976-1979). Struck just a year after his opulent coronation as Emperor Bokassa I, this issue symbolizes his grandiose aspirations and authoritarian rule. The coin circulated during a period marked by significant political instability, economic hardship, and international scrutiny of Bokassa's increasingly despotic leadership, culminating in his overthrow the following year.

Artistry: The obverse prominently features a realistic portrait of Emperor Bokassa I, a common practice for heads of state on national coinage. While the specific engraver is unrecorded, the style aligns with the pragmatic realism prevalent in post-colonial African numismatics, often executed by the Monnaie de Paris. The reverse typically displays the denomination and national emblems, reflecting the Central African Republic's identity, though the primary artistic focus remains on the monarch's effigy, asserting his imperial authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck in nickel with a weight of 7 grams and a diameter of 25.5 mm, this coin's high-points for grading typically include Bokassa's hair, ear, and the details of his military uniform collar. Nickel coinage of this era often exhibits a somewhat softer strike, meaning full detail may be absent, particularly in the finer lines of the portrait and the legend. Collectors should examine field luster and any signs of planchet imperfections, which can affect overall eye appeal and grade.

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