Catalog
| Issuer | Western African States |
|---|---|
| Year | 1960 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
| Value | 5 Francs CFA |
| Currency | CFA franc (1958-date) |
| Composition | Aluminium bronze |
| Weight | 3 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Gabriel Bernard, Lucien Bazor |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#E2 |
| Obverse description | Denomination |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
5 F. BANQUE CENTRALE ETATS DE L`AFRIQUE DE L`OUEST ESSAI (Translation: Central Bank of [the] West African States Trial) |
| Reverse description | Gazelle |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | G.B.L.BAZOR 1960 |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Mintage |
1960 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 8276253060 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1960 5 Francs CFA Essai from the Western African States marks the "Year of Africa," a pivotal period of independence from French colonial rule. Despite sovereignty, many nascent nations maintained monetary stability via the Communauté Financière Africaine (CFA) franc system. This Essai, or pattern coin, signifies the exploration of new numismatic identities, reflecting continuity and evolving national aspirations amidst decolonization and state-building.
Artistry: While specific engraver attribution for this Essai (KM#E2) is often unrecorded, its design aligns with Monnaie de Paris traditions. The artistic school favored allegorical or faunal representations. The 5 Francs denomination of