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500 CFA Francs Mahatma Gandhi
| Issuer | Benin (1975-date) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2005 |
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| Currency | CFA Franc (1945-date) |
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| Obverse description | Central field features the coat of arms of the Republic of Benin, depicting a quartered shield supported by two leopards rampant, surmounted by a star, with a scroll below bearing the national motto. The legend REPUBLIQUE DU BENIN arcs along the upper periphery in bold raised lettering. The denomination 500 FRANCS CFA is inscribed in large characters along the lower field. The motto FRATERNITE JUSTICE TRAVAIL appears on the scroll beneath the shield. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Facing right bust of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi rendered in fine relief, depicting his characteristic bald head, round spectacles, and simple attire. To the right of the portrait, a dove in flight carrying an olive branch serves as a symbol of peace. The full name MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI arcs along the upper periphery, followed by a star and the birth and death years 1869-1948 inscribed along the right side. The issue year 2005 appears in the lower exergue. |
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| Additional information |
Benin's commemorative coinage program from the mid-2000s was largely driven by the European mint and bullion market rather than any domestic monetary policy. These issues circulated in collector channels almost exclusively — Benin itself uses the West African CFA franc administered by the BCEAO, and 500 CFA face value on a 20g silver piece bore no practical relationship to its actual production cost or intended use.
Gandhi's 2005 appearance on a Beninese coin had more to do with the global commemorative market appetite for iconic figures than any historical connection between the man and the country.