25 Francs Pattern

Emisor French Equatorial Africa
Año 1958
Tipo Coin pattern
Valor 25 Francs (25 FCFA)
Moneda CFA franc (1945-1960)
Composición Aluminium bronze
Peso 7.88 g
Diámetro
Grosor
Forma Round
Técnica Milled
Orientación Coin alignment ↑↓
Grabador(es) Lucien Georges Bazor
En circulación hasta
Referencia(s) KM#E9
Descripción del anverso Three giant elands (Taurotragus derbianus) facing left.
Escritura del anverso Latin
Leyenda del anverso AFRIQUE EQUATORIALE FRANÇAISE INSTITUT D`EMISSION 1958 CAMEROUN G. B. L. BAZOR
(Translation: French Equatorial Africa Issuing Institute. Cameroon.)
Descripción del reverso Denomination within wreath of wheat, cocoa pods and coffee beans.
Escritura del reverso Latin
Leyenda del reverso ESSAI 25 FRANCS
(Translation: Pattern.)
Canto Reeded
Casa de moneda Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and
Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date)
Tirada 1958 - - 2 030
ID de Numisquare 3768363410
Información adicional

Historical Context: The 1958 French Equatorial Africa 25 Francs pattern coin emerges from a critical juncture in French colonial history. Issued by the federation of Gabon, Middle Congo, Ubangi-Shari, and Chad, this year marked France's Fifth Republic under Charles de Gaulle. The 1958 constitutional referendum offered colonies autonomy or independence, precipitating FEA's rapid decolonization. This pattern, therefore, represents a proposed coinage for a region on the cusp of profound political transformation, ultimately unadopted as the federation dissolved.

Artistry: While the specific engraver is unrecorded, the coin's design likely adheres to neoclassical and academic traditions prevalent in French minting. Colonial patterns often featured allegorical representations of France or the territory, frequently accompanied by symbols of industry, agriculture, or local fauna. The obverse typically bore the denomination and issuer, with the reverse showcasing a symbolic motif reflecting the region's identity. Artistic execution aimed for clarity and dignity, characteristic of state-issued numismatic proposals.

Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium bronze, this 25 Francs pattern weighs 7.88 grams. The alloy provides a distinctive golden hue and excellent wear resistance, aiding detail preservation. For grading, collectors should examine the highest points of relief, commonly hair strands, facial features of allegorical figures, or intricate details within depicted flora or fauna. As a pattern issue, these coins often exhibit superior strike quality compared to general circulation pieces, with sharp details and full luster, making weakness or circulation particularly notable.

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