20 Francs Ursus arctos horribilis

The Democratic Republic of Congo has issued silver coins under its name for decades largely as a vehicle for the international collector market — the country has no meaningful domestic demand for .999 silver rounds. This particular issue belongs to a sprawling wildlife series that has produced dozens of types, most struck at European private mints on contract and never intended to circulate.

The grizzly bear subspecies named here is native to North America, making its appearance on a Congolese coin a purely commercial decision.