50 Francs CFA non magnetic, Essai

Emisor Western African States
Año 1972
Tipo Coin pattern
Valor 50 Francs CFA (50 XOF)
Moneda CFA franc (1958-date)
Composición Copper-nickel
Peso 5 g
Diámetro 22 mm
Grosor 1.6 mm
Forma Round
Técnica Milled
Orientación Coin alignment ↑↓
Grabador(es) Raymond Joly
En circulación hasta
Referencia(s) KM#E6, KM#E6a, KM#E6b
Descripción del anverso Sawfish
Escritura del anverso Latin
Leyenda del anverso BANQUE CENTRALE DES ETATS DE L`AFRIQUE DE L`OUEST ESSAI
(Translation: Central Bank of [the] West African States Trial)
Descripción del reverso Denomination
Escritura del reverso Latin
Leyenda del reverso UNION MONETAIRE OUEST-AFRICAINE 50 FRANCS 1972
(Translation: West African Monetary Union)
Canto Reeded
Casa de moneda Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and
Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date)
Tirada 1972 - - 1 750
1972 - Gold; KM# E6b - 17
1972 - Silver; KM# E6a - 120
ID de Numisquare 3273399500
Información adicional

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.

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