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5 Francs Pope John Paul II
| Issuer | Banque Centrale du Congo |
|---|---|
| Year | 2003 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
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|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | A three-quarter portrait effigy of Pope John Paul II dominates the central field, depicted wearing his papal mitre and vestments, his right hand raised in benediction and his left hand holding a papal ferula with a crucifix finial. The legend 25ème Anniversaire de la Nomination 1978-2003 curves along the upper periphery, commemorating the 25th anniversary of his election to the pontificate. The inscription PAPE JEAN PAUL II appears in the lower field, with the year 2003 beneath it. The portrait is rendered in fine relief against a deeply mirrored proof field. |
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| Additional information |
The Democratic Republic of Congo has issued commemorative coinage through various issuing authorities since the 1990s, frequently licensing its mint rights to foreign producers targeting the collector market rather than circulation. This piece falls squarely in that category — a privately marketed issue with no meaningful connection to Congolese monetary history.
John Paul II died in April 2005, meaning this 2003 issue predates his death and likely his beatification campaign. The timing suggests a general commemorative issue rather than one tied to a specific papal event.