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50 Francs Lion, gold essai
| Issuer | République du Niger |
|---|---|
| Year | 1968 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | FRATERNITÉ-TRAVAIL-PROGRÈS 50 FRs 1968 ESSAI (Translation: Brotherhood, work, progress. Trial.) |
| Reverse description | A standing lion (Panthera leo) is depicted facing forward in a naturalistic pose, its mane rendered in fine detail with the animal standing upon rocky ground with sparse vegetation. The legend REPUBLIQUE DU NIGER arcs along the upper periphery of the coin in raised Latin letters. The reverse field is polished and mirror-like, consistent with the essai striking technique. The bold, well-modelled figure of the lion dominates the central field with strong relief. |
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| Additional information |
Niger's 1968 gold essai series was produced in the lead-up to the country's adoption of revised coinage under the West African franc system, with pattern pieces like this struck in precious metals for official approval — a process that rarely translated into circulating production. Most essais from francophone West African states of this period were produced by the Paris Mint in extremely limited numbers, typically fewer than 100 pieces, distributed almost entirely to government ministers and monetary authorities rather than entering any commercial channel.