500 Francs CFA Monetary Union, Essai

Эмитент Western African States
Год 1972
Тип Coin pattern
Номинал 500 Francs CFA
Валюта CFA franc (1958-date)
Состав Silver (.900)
Вес 25 g
Диаметр 37 mm
Толщина 3 mm
Форма Round
Техника Milled
Ориентация Coin alignment ↑↓
Гравёр(ы) Raymond Joly
В обращении до
Каталожные номера KM#E7
Описание аверса Sawfish
Письменность аверса Latin
Надписи аверса BANQUE CENTRALE DES ETATS D`AFRIQUE DE L`OUEST 1 NOVEMBRE 1962 1 NOVEMBRE 1972 ESSAI RJ
(Translation: Central Bank of [the] West African States 1st November 1962 1st November 1972 Trial)
Описание реверса Denomination; coats of arms
Письменность реверса Latin
Надписи реверса HAUTE-VOLTA MAURITANIE NIGER SENEGAL TOGO COTE D`IVOIRE DAHOMEY 500 FRANCS 1972
(Translation: Upper Volta Mauritania Niger Senegal Togo Ivory Coast Dahomey)
Гурт Reeded
Монетный двор Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and
Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date)
Тираж 1972 - - 1 300
ID Numisquare 2577795500
Дополнительная информация

Historical Context: Issued in 1972, this 500 Francs CFA Essai from the Western African States signifies a pivotal post-colonial era. While individual nations gained independence, the CFA Franc Monetary Union represented a continued commitment to regional economic integration and monetary stability, linked to the French franc. This Essai, a test strike, reflects an exploration of new monetary expressions and the assertion of a collective identity for member states within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).

Artistry: The specific engraver for this Essai (KM#E7) is unrecorded, but the design reflects the prevailing numismatic aesthetic, often by Monnaie de Paris artists. Stylistically, it likely blends classical allegorical representations, such as a symbolic head embodying Union ideals, with motifs of West African agriculture or industry on the reverse. Common elements include local produce or a regional map, emphasizing economic unity. Essais often permitted more intricate designs than standard circulation issues.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .900 fine silver (25 grams, 37 mm), this Essai typically exhibits superior strike quality. High-points for grading include intricate details of any allegorical figure's hair/headdress, and delicate textures of agricultural motifs or geographical lines. Essais are often struck with enhanced pressure, yielding a full, sharp strike with crisp legends. Collectors should seek a strong proof-like or matte finish, minimal planchet imperfections, and no wear, as these pieces were not for circulation.

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