20 Francs Carnotaurus

The Democratic Republic of Congo has become one of the most prolific issuers of legal-tender collector coins in the world, partnering almost exclusively with European minting and marketing firms rather than producing these pieces for domestic circulation. The Carnotaurus — a theropod from Late Cretaceous Patagonia, characterized by its distinctive brow horns — has no particular connection to Central Africa. The coin exists because the DRC's licensing arrangements make it a convenient issuing authority for themed bullion and novelty series targeting the international collector market.

Struck to .9999 fineness, a purity step above the more common .999 standard.