Catalog
| Issuer | Democratic Republic of the Congo (1997-date) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1999 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | 5 Francs |
| Currency | Franc (1998-date) |
| Composition | Nickel plated brass |
| Weight | 24.3 g |
| Diameter | 38.61 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled, Colored |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#89 |
| Obverse description | Lion within inner circle, denomination below in outer circle. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | BANQUE CENTRALE REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE 19 99 DU CONGO 5 FRANCS |
| Reverse description | Multicolor portrait of Prince Claus within inner circle. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | MAISONS ROYALES D`EUROPE DES SIECLES DERNIERS LE PRINCE DES PAYS-BAS CLAUS *1926 |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1999 - Proof - 20 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 4598430830 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1999 5 Francs coin, attributed to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and depicting Prince Claus of the Netherlands, represents a significant numismatic anomaly. Prince Claus (1926-2002), consort to Queen Beatrix, was a respected Dutch figure. However, in 1999, the DRC was engulfed in the Second Congo War. The issuance of an official Congolese coin commemorating a Dutch royal lacks historical precedent and is highly improbable. Numismatic scholarship generally considers this piece a fantasy issue, private commemorative, or medal, not an officially sanctioned DRC coin.
Artistry: The design would feature a realistic, dignified portrait of Prince Claus