Catalog
100 Francs Trial Strike
| Issuer | Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique Équatoriale et du Cameroun |
|---|---|
| Year | 1971 |
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| Currency | CFA franc (Central bank of Equatorial African States and Cameroon, 1961-1973) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The large denomination numeral 100 dominates the central field, rendered in a distinctive decorative style with the zeros formed by beaded, wavy inner contours, lending a bold graphic quality to the design. The word FRANCS appears below the numeral, with the trial strike designation ESSAI inscribed beneath it in smaller capitals. The date 1971 is placed in the lower exergue. The legend BANQUE CENTRALE arcs around the upper periphery, separated from the central field by a rope-pattern inner border. Flanking the central device on either side are two vertical panels of stylized African geometric zigzag ornament, each framed by rope molding, lending a distinctive regional decorative character to the composition. A small owl privy mark (Monnaie de Paris) is visible to the right of the numeral. |
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| Reverse lettering | BANQUE CENTRALE 100 FRANCS ESSAI 1971 |
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| Additional information |
The Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique Équatoriale et du Cameroun was itself a transitional institution — it was dissolved and replaced by the Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale in 1972, meaning this trial strike was produced in the penultimate year of the issuing authority's existence. Essais and trial pieces from this bank are characteristically scarce, made in small quantities for official approval rather than circulation, and the window for their production was closing fast.