1000 Francs CFA Lindau Lighthouse

Benin has no coastline anywhere near Lindau, no historical connection to the Bavarian shore of Lake Constance, and no monetary relationship with Germany that would explain this issue. It exists because Benin — like several small African nations — licenses its issuing authority to European private minting operations, principally for the collector market. The coins are legal tender in name only; none circulate.

The Lindau lighthouse, built in 1856, replaced a medieval tower that had guided vessels across the Bodensee for centuries. It has appeared on numerous collector issues from unrelated sovereign authorities.