Congo 10f Coin 1965

One of the oddball purchases I made at the show this past weekend was this 10 francs Congo coin just because it had this great image of a lion on the face. The coin is aluminum and in great condition.

In 1965, the Congo issued its first coin as an independent nation. Due to inflation at the time the coin barely circulated and the majority were melted.


The obverse has the face of a lion with and is inscribed: "JUSTICE PAIX TRAVAIL." (justice, peace, and work). The reverse has the denomination "10 F" and "Leopoldville." and is inscribed: "BANQUE NATIONALE DU CONGO 1965".

 

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nice diggit!

 

This coin was struck at the Brussels Mint (Belgian Royal Mint). You can see the Brussels Mintmark on the right of the date (St.Michaels head), while the mintmark of the Brussels mintmaster De Vogeleer is on the left of the date.
Just below the lion, the letters CvD are the engravers initials: Carlos van Dionant.

Leopoldville, named after Leopold II of Belgium, changed its name to Kinshasa. It still is the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

Thanks, bart!

I understand that this was a short run. Can you confirm that? Also, what is the story regarding this coin and missionaries?

 

What is the story regarding this coin and missionaries?

Sounds interesting.

 

I overheard something at the coin show regarding this coin but I was involved with something else at the time and didn't catch the story. I was hoping someone here knew something about it.


Btw.....Is this the same coin? If it is I think it may be a little bit of wishful thinking.:

http://cgi.ebay.com/DEM-CONGO-LEOPOLDVILLE-10-FRANCS-1965-ESSAI-BU-RARE-/150519803248

 

I have one too:



I think that they are pretty common.

 

As I thought. Thanks.

 

This piece was minted at 100.000.000 pieces, but the bigger part was remelted at the the Burssels Mint.
The piece exists in 3 different variations:
- Mint alignment, small PAIX (F: €1; VF €2.5; XF: €5; UNC: € 7.5)
- Mint alignment, fat PAIX (F: €1.25; VF: €3; XF: €6; UNC: €9)
- Medal alignment (only with small PAIX): no pricing set, so quite difficult to find

Values are according to catalogue of Belgian coins (Morin-Eyckmans, edition 2008)

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/DEM-CONGO-LEOPOLDVILLE-10-FRANCS-1965-ESSAI-BU-RARE-/150519803248[/QUOTE]

This is not thesame coin. If you look to the pics, you will notice a small print "ESSAI" next to 10 F. This is a coin which has been minted before the official production to test the dies. These coins are quite rare and range in price from 150 to 300 euro)

 

What a lovely coin

 

It is a lovely coin.

 

But what about the missionaries?

 

The coin show is this Sunday, so I'll ask my dealer about it. I'll post when I find out.

 

i have one as well, they are quite common on this side of the pond. usually they would cost aroun 1 to 2 pounds in uncirculated condition.

 

I went to the show and forgot to ask about the missionaries!!!:headbang:

 

Nice lion coin.

I bought a Belgian Congo coin this last Sunday. The elephant side has been cleaned but it still looks very nice IMO.

 

But what about the missionaries?

 

I love that elephant!!!!!!!

 

What a great old coin. They still use the lion in the Congo coinage. Here is a nice silver one from 2000.