Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
1000 Francs CFA Houdini water torture cell
| Issuer | Bank of Central African States (BEAC) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse of this sculptural piece is shaped in the contour of the famous Chinese Water Torture Cell apparatus, with the feet of the escapologist protruding in three-dimensional relief through the top of the coin's profile. The central field presents a highly detailed, colorfully rendered depiction of Houdini suspended inverted within the water-filled cell, clad in a dark swimsuit with red trim, his arms outstretched and his face visible at the lower portion of the transparent front panel. The cell itself is rendered with meticulous realism, featuring a brass-riveted dark wood frame, gilt corner fittings and handles, and a steel lock hasp affixed to the right side. The overall composition evokes vintage chromolithographic poster art, with a pale aqueous background visible through the glass panel of the cell. No legends or inscriptions appear on the reverse. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | 2024 - Proof - 1,000 |
| Additional information |
The BEAC issues commemorative silver under a licensing arrangement that allows private minting companies — typically European — to produce themed pieces bearing the authority of member states like Cameroon or Chad. The Houdini water torture cell escape, first performed publicly in 1912, has become a recurring subject for novelty bullion programs in recent years. These pieces are legal tender in name only; none enter circulation, and the issuing central bank exercises minimal creative control over the subject matter.