25 000 Francs CFA - Bokassa I Essai

Đơn vị phát hành Central African Republic
Năm 1978-1979
Loại Coin pattern
Mệnh giá 25 000 Francs CFA
Tiền tệ CFA Franc (Bank of Central African States, 1973-date)
Chất liệu Aluminium bronze
Trọng lượng 7.41 g
Đường kính 30 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round
Kỹ thuật Milled
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Schön#10a
Mô tả mặt trước Bust of Jean-Bedel Bokassa, in uniform, an imperial crown on the right.
Chữ viết mặt trước Latin
Chữ khắc mặt trước EMPEREUR BOKASSA 1er
(Translation: Emperor Bokassa 1st)
Mô tả mặt sau Coat of arms of Central African Empire (Facing eagle on sun), denomination below/
Chữ viết mặt sau Latin
Chữ khắc mặt sau EMPIRE CENTRAFRICAIN 25.000 Frs. C.F.A. UNITÉ-DIGNITÉ-TRAVAIL
(Translation: *Central African Empire* 25.000 Francs CFA Unity-Dignity-Work)
Cạnh Plain
Xưởng đúc Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and
Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date)
Số lượng đúc ND (1978-1979) - -
ID Numisquare 3897276640
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This 25,000 Francs CFA Essai coin embodies the extravagant and short-lived reign of Jean-Bédel Bokassa as Emperor Bokassa I of the Central African Empire (1976-1979). Following his lavish self-coronation in 1977, Bokassa initiated efforts to solidify his imperial image, including a distinct monetary system. This Essai, or pattern coin, was a tangible manifestation of his ambitious plan for imperial currency, reflecting his grandiosity and the era's profound political instability preceding his 1979 overthrow.

Artistry: The design of this Essai likely emerged from a European mint, probably French, aligning with the CFA franc's origins. The obverse typically presents a regal effigy of Emperor Bokassa I, often in military or imperial regalia, executed in a style blending neoclassical portraiture with a unique African imperial aesthetic. The reverse features the exceptionally high 25,000 Francs CFA denomination, accompanied by symbols projecting the new empire's authority, such as an imperial eagle, with the essential 'ESSAI' mark.

Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium bronze, this 7.41-gram, 30-millimeter Essai generally displays a robust strike, often with proof-like fields, typical of pattern issues. Key high-points for grading include the highest relief areas of Bokassa’s effigy, such as his hair, cheekbone, and crown or uniform details. On the reverse, sharpness of numerals and any imperial emblem is crucial. While minor surface imperfections or toning are possible for the alloy, overall strike quality and the clarity of the 'ESSAI' inscription are paramount.

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