Catalog
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| Issuer | Bank of Central African States (BEAC) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2022 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 5000 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 |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | The reverse presents a highly stylized mandala-style crocodile rendered in intricate geometric and decorative patterning, occupying the central field in sharp relief against a mirror-like proof background. The reptile is depicted in full profile facing left with jaws open, its body filled with fine latticework and ornamental detail evoking traditional African decorative art. The denomination 5000 FRANCS CFA arcs along the upper legend, while the inscription FINE SILVER 1 TROY OUNCE curves along the lower field. The purity mark 999 appears twice in the field, flanking the crocodile at left and right. |
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| Additional information |
The BEAC issues commemorative silver under the umbrella of the Central African CFA franc zone, a currency bloc whose monetary policy has been managed by France — and since 2019, formally reviewed under a reform agreement — since its colonial-era founding in 1945. These pieces are struck for the export collector market, not for circulation in Cameroon, Chad, or any of the six member states whose name technically backs the issue.
KM#173 is one of several mandala-format designs the series has produced in recent years, all manufactured by European mints on contract and bearing no meaningful connection to the issuing territory beyond the legal authorization that makes the face value nominal.