Catalogue
| Émetteur | Western African States |
|---|---|
| Année | 1972 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
| Valeur | 50 Francs CFA (50 XOF) |
| Devise | CFA franc (1958-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Poids | 5 g |
| Diamètre | 22 mm |
| Épaisseur | 1.6 mm |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Graveur(s) | Raymond Joly |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | KM#E6, KM#E6a, KM#E6b |
| Description de l’avers | Sawfish |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
BANQUE CENTRALE DES ETATS DE L`AFRIQUE DE L`OUEST ESSAI (Translation: Central Bank of [the] West African States Trial) |
| Description du revers | Denomination |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers |
UNION MONETAIRE OUEST-AFRICAINE 50 FRANCS 1972 (Translation: West African Monetary Union) |
| Tranche | Reeded |
| Atelier |
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Tirage |
1972 - - 1 750 1972 - Gold; KM# E6b - 17 1972 - Silver; KM# E6a - 120 |
| ID Numisquare | 3273399500 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
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.