Catalog
5000 Francs CFA Smilodon
| Issuer | Burkina Faso |
|---|---|
| Year | 2013 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 124.4 g |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | REPUBLIQUE DU BURKINA FASO 5000 FRANCS CFA |
| Reverse description | A highly detailed, ultra-high relief close-up portrait of a Smilodon (saber-toothed cat) fills the entire field, rendered with exceptional fur texture achieved through intricate engraving. The prehistoric predator is depicted facing the viewer, its two elongated upper canine saber teeth prominently displayed beneath the muzzle. The eyes are inlaid with amber-colored crystal inserts, lending a vivid, lifelike quality to the design. The legend SMILODON and date 2013 arc along the left inner field, accompanied by the inscription 4 OZ AG denoting the silver content, with a serial number visible below. The antique finish treatment enhances the three-dimensional sculptural effect of the composition. |
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| Additional information |
Burkina Faso has issued coins through the Monnaie de Paris and various private minting houses under licensing arrangements that have little to do with domestic monetary policy — these large-format silver pieces circulate nowhere and exist entirely for the collector market. The Smilodon, an extinct genus that died out roughly 10,000 years ago, had no presence on the African continent, making its appearance on a Burkinabè coin a matter of commercial theme selection rather than any historical or regional connection.