Catalog
| Issuer | Western African States |
|---|---|
| Year | 1972 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
| Value | 50 Francs CFA (50 XOF) |
| Currency | CFA franc (1958-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Weight | 5 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Raymond Joly |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#E6, KM#E6a, KM#E6b |
| Obverse description | Sawfish |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
BANQUE CENTRALE DES ETATS DE L`AFRIQUE DE L`OUEST ESSAI (Translation: Central Bank of [the] West African States Trial) |
| Reverse description | Denomination |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
UNION MONETAIRE OUEST-AFRICAINE 50 FRANCS 1972 (Translation: West African Monetary Union) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Mintage |
1972 - - 1 750 1972 - Gold; KM# E6b - 17 1972 - Silver; KM# E6a - 120 |
| Numisquare ID | 3273399500 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1972 50 Francs CFA Essai from the Western African States (États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest) reflects a pivotal post-colonial era. Member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) maintained monetary stability through the CFA Franc. This Essai, a trial strike, signifies experimentation with new non-magnetic copper-nickel alloys or design refinements for a crucial denomination, representing efforts to modernize coinage within the established economic framework.
Artistry: While the specific engraver is often unattributed, the coin adheres to the functionalist stylistic school prevalent in post-colonial Francophone Africa. The design features the denomination and issuing authority "BANQUE CENTRALE DES ÉTATS DE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST." The reverse commonly displays a stylized antelope head, symbolizing regional fauna. The "Essai" mark is a key design element, distinguishing it as a preliminary striking for evaluation before mass production.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this non-magnetic 50 Francs CFA Essai weighs 5 grams and measures 22 millimeters. Optimal grading focuses on high-points such as the antelope's horns and highest relief details. Essai strikes, benefiting from fresh dies and meticulous production, typically exhibit a full, sharp strike with crisp details across devices and fields. Any weakness in these areas would indicate a less than ideal strike for this trial piece.