Catalog
| Issuer | Guinea |
|---|---|
| Year | 1969-1970 |
| Type | Non-circulating coin |
| Value | 5000 Francs |
| Currency | Old franc (1959-1971) |
| Composition | Gold (.900) (Silver .100) |
| Weight | 20 g |
| Diameter | 32 mm |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#32, Schön#23 |
| Obverse description | Olympic rings and past locations motif |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
REP DE GUINEE HELSINKI 1952 MELBOURNE 1956 ROMA 1960 TOKIO 1964 MEXICO 1968 OLYMPIA MUNICH-1972 (Translation: Republic of Guinea) |
| Reverse description | Coat of Arms |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
1958-1968 X·ANNIVERSAIRE 1969 5000 FRANCS GUINEENS (Translation: 10th anniversary 5000 Guinean Francs) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1969 - Proof - 50 000 1970 - Proof - |
| Numisquare ID | 5132053720 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued by Guinea between 1969 and 1970, this 5000 Francs Guinéens coin dates to the early First Republic under President Ahmed Sékou Touré. Post-independence (1958), Guinea pursued a socialist path, becoming a key voice in the Non-Aligned Movement. This gold commemorative, celebrating the Summer Olympics, projected Guinea's international presence, fostered national pride, and aimed to attract foreign exchange, a common trend for newly independent nations.
Artistry: Specific engraver attribution for many African issues of this period is often elusive, with designs frequently originating from European mints. The stylistic school typically adheres to a contemporary, idealized realism, common for sporting themes. The obverse features Guinea's national emblem, often an elephant or a shield with a crossed sword and rifle, alongside the denomination. The reverse design encapsulates the Summer Olympics spirit, depicting athletic figures, Olympic rings, or a symbolic torch, rendered with a clean, modern aesthetic.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .900 fine gold, weighing 20 grams and measuring 32 millimeters, this coin (KM#32, Schön#23) generally exhibits a strong strike typical of high-value commemoratives. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the national emblem and the details of any athletic figures or the Olympic torch. Collectors should seek examples displaying full detail on these areas, with lustrous fields, indicative of a well-preserved brilliant uncirculated or proof-like strike. Sharp strike with minimal field disturbance is paramount for higher grades.