50 Centimes with 'LIBRE'

Đơn vị phát hành French Cameroon (1916-1960)
Năm 1943
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 50 Centimes (0.50)
Tiền tệ Franc (1922-1945)
Chất liệu Bronze
Trọng lượng 2.7 g
Đường kính 20 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round
Kỹ thuật Milled
Hướng Coin alignment ↑↓
Nghệ nhân khắc Coert Laurens Steynberg
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo KM#6
Mô tả mặt trước Rooster left, monogrammed shield top right
Chữ viết mặt trước Latin
Chữ khắc mặt trước RF C.L.S. CAMEROUN FRANÇAIS LIBRE
(Translation: French Republic Free French Cameroon)
Mô tả mặt sau Cross of Lorraine divides denomination below, date at bottom
Chữ viết mặt sau Latin
Chữ khắc mặt sau HONNEUR LIBERTÉ · ÉGALITÉ PATRIE ·FRATERNITÉ· 50 CMES C.L.S. 1943
(Translation: Honor Liberty Equality Country Fraternity)
Cạnh Smooth
Xưởng đúc SA
Pretoria, South Africa(1890-1902, 1923-1992)
Số lượng đúc 1943 SA - - 4 000 000
ID Numisquare 5046426830
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: The 1943 50 Centimes from French Cameroon is a poignant numismatic artifact of World War II. Issued under Free French authority, this coin signifies Cameroon's pivotal decision in August 1940 to rally against Vichy France, becoming an early supporter of General de Gaulle. The prominent inscription "LIBRE" (Free) on the reverse serves as a powerful political declaration, embodying the spirit of resistance and the fight for liberation. This coinage addressed severe disruption of supply lines, ensuring economic stability in a crucial Free French territory.

Artistry: Reflecting a utilitarian yet symbolically rich French colonial style, the coin's design is distinct. The obverse typically features the denomination and "ETATS AFRICAINS." The reverse is dominated by a fasces, a bundle of rods with an axe, symbolizing unity and strength. Crucially, the "LIBRE" inscription directly beneath the fasces transforms this classical motif into an emblem of Free French defiance, asserting the territory's allegiance to liberty amidst global conflict.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this 20mm, 2.7g coin often exhibits varying strike quality, typical of wartime production. Key high-points for assessing wear include the binding straps and axe head of the fasces, and the raised lettering of "LIBRE" and the denomination. Collectors should examine these areas for sharpness and completeness. Planchet quality can vary, with minor flaws sometimes present. A strong strike will show crisp details, particularly in the fasces lines and bold legends.

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