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5 Francs CFA Essai
| Issuer | Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1960 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 5 Francs CFA |
| 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 |
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| Obverse description | Central denomination numeral '5' in large relief, accompanied by the abbreviation 'F.' to its right, dominating the field. A decorative mask or totem motif appears above the numeral, serving as an artistic device linking the design to West African cultural heritage. The circular legend 'BANQUE CENTRALE' arcs across the upper portion, while 'ÉTATS DE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST' curves along the lower periphery. The word 'ESSAI' (Trial) appears in the lower field, identifying this piece as a pattern strike. The overall design is crisp and bold, consistent with Monnaie de Paris essai production standards. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
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| Mintage | 1960 |
| Additional information |
The BCEAO was established in 1959 to serve the newly independent Francophone West African states, and the 1960 essai issues were produced as trial strikes to validate coin designs and metallurgy ahead of full circulation production. Essais from this founding series were struck in extremely limited numbers, primarily for archival, governmental, and collector distribution — never intended to reach commerce.
KM#E2 is among the earliest pieces attributable to the independent monetary authority, predating the first general circulation strikes by a matter of months.