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500 Francs Lewis Edson Waterman
| Issuer | Cameroon (1960-date) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 500 Francs CFA |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse, also shaped as a fountain pen nib, displays an artistic Art Nouveau-style composition featuring a stylized female face rendered in fine line engraving to the left, accompanied by an ornate blooming rose with foliage occupying the upper and central field. A second rose motif appears in the lower central area beneath the inscriptions. The date 2023 is prominently struck in the mid-field, with the honoree's name Lewis Edson Waterman inscribed below in cursive script, commemorating the inventor of the practical fountain pen and the year 1884 associated with his patent. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Waterman founded his pen company in 1884 after, by his own account, a leaking fountain pen ruined a contract signing — a story repeated so often it has acquired the texture of myth, though its broad outline is accepted. Cameroon's series of miniature silver issues nominally denominated in CFA francs has no meaningful connection to the currency in circulation; these are sold directly to collectors worldwide and never approach a cash register in Douala or Yaoundé.
At one gram, the planchet is among the smallest produced for any modern numismatic issue.