First silver coin issued for five seperate countries and carrying all five national emblems debuts
The commemorative coin market relies heavily on smaller countries around the world allowing them to be issued in their name. It’s a mutually beneficial agreement that brings in much needed income in many cases (Niue Island has a population of less than 2,000, for example) and on the flipside allows a greater selection of numismatic art to exist, away from the confines of state-controlled mints.
The main region for this has centred around the oceanic states of the West Pacific, states like the aforementioned Niue, along with Tokelau, Tuvalu and Fiji. Over the last couple of years we’ve seen a surge in coins issued for African states as well. With wild animals being such a popular subject for modern coins, it seems a natural fit in many cases. Countries like Burkina Faso, Benin, Congo and Somalia all play host to some superb coins.
European coin producer AllCollect have taken the concept to the next level by issuing a new proof silver coin for not one, but FIVE countries. The reverse face doesn’t push any boundaries. It’s a well realised lion image surrounded by inscriptions carrying the date, composition, and the very appropriate coin title, ‘AFRICA UNITED’. The big news for a change is on the obverse. A geometric background pattern plays host to five circular areas, each containing the emblem of one of the five states this is being issued for; Ivory Coast, Benin, Congo, Mali and Niger.
2017 AFRICA UNITED ‘LION’ PROOF SILVER COIN
All of these countries use the Communauté Financière d’Afrique (CFA Franc), a currency in use by fourteen countries in Western (8) or Central Africa (6) that were mainly former French colonies, although a couple that joined later were formally under the domain of Portugal or Spain. Four of the issuing countries here use the Western CFA, with Congo alone using the Central CFA. Both types have an equal value.
Struck in three ounces of fine (0.999) silver, it’s an unusual concept, perhaps one sending a political message of sorts in the region. Packaging, as you can see in the image above, looks excellent and the 55 mm diameter coin will have its mintage capped at 5,000 units. Available soon, it’s a unique coin and that alone should generate interest. We don’t think this is the last we’ll hear of this idea.
MINTS DESCRIPTION: The Lion symbolizes the strength and unity of 5 African countries united in a unique common project – the first issue of a joint commemorative coin that is legal tender in all 5 nations. This is a sensation: In times of political conflicts and discord this issue is a sign of cooperation and peacefulness.
SPECIFICATION
| NAME | 2017 AFRICA UNITED |
| DENOMINATION | 1,500 FRANCS CFA |
| COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver |
| WEIGHT | 93.2 grams |
| DIAMETER | 55.00 mm |
| FINISH | Proof |
| MODIFICATIONS | None |
| MINTAGE | 5,000 |
| BOX / COA | Yes / Yes |
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