Catalog
1500 Francs CFA St. Basil Cathedral
| Issuer | Togo |
|---|---|
| Year | 2005 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| 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 | Round |
| 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 | The obverse features the coat of arms of the Republic of Togo as the central device, depicting two lions rampant supporting a shield bearing the national monogram 'RT', flanked by two crossed flags inscribed with the national motto 'TRAVAIL' and 'PATRIE' and surmounted by the word 'LIBERTE'. The circular legend 'REPUBLIQUE TOGOLAISE' arcs along the upper periphery, while the denomination '1500 FRANCS' is prominently displayed along the lower field. The design is executed in high relief against a polished proof field. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| 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 | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Togo's use of the CFA franc as a vehicle for commemorative gold issues aimed squarely at the collector market became notably aggressive in the early 2000s, with the West African Economic and Monetary Union's monetary framework providing little practical obstacle to member states issuing themed pieces with no genuine domestic circulation intent. This coin is one of several in a series exploiting world architectural landmarks — a category that proliferated across small-nation minting programs during this period as the spot gold market made fractional issues commercially attractive to dealers and distributors rather than collectors with any numismatic stake in Togolese issues specifically.
St. Basil's Cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the capture of Kazan in 1552.