Catalogue
| Émetteur | Benin (1975-date) |
|---|---|
| Année | 1992 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Valeur | 500 Francs CFA |
| Devise | CFA Franc (1945-date) |
| Composition | Silver (.999) |
| Poids | 12 g |
| Diamètre | 38 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | KM#3, Schön#14 |
| Description de l’avers | National arms, denomination below. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers | REPUBLIQUE DU BENIN FRATERNITE JUSTICE TRAVAIL 500 FRANCS CFA |
| Description du revers | Soccer goalle, large date in legend, small date at bottom. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | REPUBLIQUE DU BENIN XVe COUPE MONDIALE ETATS-UNIS D`AMERIQUE 1994 1992 |
| Tranche | Smooth |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
1992 - - 10 000 |
| ID Numisquare | 1168491050 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: Issued in 1992, this 500 Francs CFA coin from Benin falls within the early years of the nation's democratic transition. Under President Nicéphore Soglo, Benin sought to re-engage internationally, and this FIFA World Cup commemorative reflects an outward-looking policy and cultural participation. The CFA Franc currency underscores Benin's economic ties within the West African Monetary Union, highlighting its place in regional and global economic frameworks during a period of significant political change for the young republic.
Artistry: While the specific engraver for this issue is not explicitly documented, the design adheres to a modern, illustrative numismatic style. The obverse typically features the national arms, denoting sovereignty. The reverse likely depicts dynamic football imagery—a player in action, a stylized ball, or a globe motif—all emblematic of the World Cup theme. The execution prioritizes realism and clear thematic communication, characteristic of early 1990s commemorative issues designed to appeal to a broad international audience.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .999 fine silver, weighing 12 grams and measuring 38 millimeters, this coin exhibits the technical precision expected of modern minting. High-points for wear or strike quality typically include the intricate details of the football's stitching, the musculature or uniform folds of a depicted player, or the finer elements of the national emblem. The strike typically features frosted devices contrasting highly polished, mirrored fields, characteristic of proof-like commemorative silver issues, indicating careful production for collectors.