100 Francs Essai

Émetteur Chad
Année 1971
Type Coin pattern
Valeur 100 Francs (100 FCFA)
Devise CFA franc (Central bank of Equatorial African States and Cameroon, 1961-1973)
Composition Nickel
Poids 7 g
Diamètre 25.5 mm
Épaisseur
Forme Round
Technique Milled
Orientation Coin alignment ↑↓
Graveur(s) Lucien Georges Bazor
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) KM#20/E3
Description de l’avers Three antelopes on the left in the wild; on the right signature of the engraver.
Écriture de l’avers Latin
Légende de l’avers REPUBLIQUE DU TCHAD CR G.B.L.BAZOR
Description du revers Different : Horn of plenty and Owl (Monnaie de Paris)
Écriture du revers Latin
Légende du revers BANQUE CENTRALE 100 FRANCS ESSAI 1971
Tranche Reeded
Atelier Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and
Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date)
Tirage 1971 - - 1 700
ID Numisquare 4432217210
Informations supplémentaires

Historical Context: The 1971 Chad 100 Francs Essai coin emerged from a pivotal decade for the young nation. Independent since 1960, Chad, under President François Tombalbaye, was forging its national identity and economic infrastructure. As a CFA Franc zone member, this "Essai" (pattern) coin signifies the government's exploration of new coinage designs or denominations. Such patterns were common for newly sovereign states, asserting monetary autonomy and expressing unique heritage, even if not adopted for general circulation.

Artistry: Engraver details for this Essai are often unrecorded. The stylistic approach typically aligns with mid-20th century modern realism combined with symbolic representation, prevalent in post-colonial African coinage. Designs of this era frequently featured allegorical figures, national emblems, or local fauna. For Chad, common motifs included a stylized head representing its people or an indigenous animal like the oryx, rendered with clean lines and a dignified presence, reflecting national pride.

Technical/Grading: Struck in Nickel, weighing 7 grams and measuring 25.5 millimeters, this Essai coin likely exhibits superior strike quality compared to circulation issues. Essai pieces are often produced with exceptional care, sometimes on specially prepared planchets, leading to remarkably sharp details, full luster, and strong relief. Key high-points, like hair details or emblem features, typically show full definition, characteristic of a pristine pattern strike. Seek unblemished fields and crispness throughout.

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