Catalog
20 Francs Lion, gilt
| Issuer | Banque Centrale du Congo |
|---|---|
| Year | 2025 |
| 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 | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| 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 displays the coat of arms of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the centre, depicting a leopard's head en face set upon a shield flanked by a crossed elephant tusk and spear, mounted on a plinth inscribed PAIX; the mottos JUSTICE and TRAVAIL appear to the left and right of the central device respectively. The date 2025 is divided across the lower field, with 20 appearing to the left and 25 to the right of the shield base. The legend REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO arcs along the upper periphery, bordered by a beaded inner circle, while the denomination 20 FRANCS and the fineness notation 1 oz Ag 999.9 are inscribed along the lower border. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse features a finely detailed high-relief portrait of a male African lion in a recumbent pose, facing the viewer, resting its forepaws on a rocky outcrop; the lion's mane, head, and body are treated with selective gold gilding, creating a striking contrast against the mirror-polished silver field. To the right, a bare acacia tree rendered in silver extends upward toward the reeded edge. A small globe motif depicting the African continent appears at the base centre, flanked by the curved legend WORLD'S WILDLIFE along the lower arc, while THE LION is inscribed in a straight legend across the upper field. |
| 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 |
The Democratic Republic of Congo has issued commemorative silver in high volume since the early 2000s, primarily through licensing arrangements with European minting houses — most DRC collector coins are produced in Belgium, Germany, or Austria with minimal local involvement. KM#417a designates the gilded variant within what is almost certainly a paired release strategy, where base and gilt versions are struck from identical dies and sold at different price points to maximize collector market coverage. A well-worn tactic, but an effective one.