Catalog
100 Francs Essai
| Issuer | Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique Équatoriale et du Cameroun (B.C.E.A.C.) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1971 |
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| Engraver(s) | Lucien Georges Bazor |
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| Reverse description | The large denomination numeral 100 dominates the central field, rendered with decorative beaded outlines around each digit. Below appears the currency unit FRANCS in bold capitals, with the word ESSAI (trial) inscribed beneath in smaller lettering. The legend BANQUE CENTRALE arcs along the upper periphery. The date 1971 appears within a decorative scroll-like panel at the base. Flanking the central device are two symmetrical ornamental panels featuring zigzag and geometric motifs in a style evocative of Central African decorative arts. Two small mint privy marks are visible in the mid-field on either side of the numeral. |
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| Reverse lettering | BANQUE CENTRALE 100 FRANCS ESSAI 1971 |
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| Additional information |
The B.C.E.A.C. was established in 1960 to manage monetary policy across the newly independent states of Equatorial Africa and Cameroon, replacing the colonial-era Institut d'Émission de l'Afrique Équatoriale Française et du Cameroun. Essai pieces like this 1971 issue were struck at the Paris Mint as pattern submissions — produced in very small numbers for official approval before full production runs were authorized.
Essais from this institution rarely entered circulation and were typically distributed to treasury officials and collectors through the Monnaie de Paris sales program.