Belgian Congo 1891 franc
This specimen was lot 1219 in Jean Elsen sale 138 (Brussels, September 2018), where it sold for €95 (about US$131 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"CONGO, Etat Indépendant, Léopold II (1885-1908), AR 1 franc, 1891. Superbe. (Congo Free State, Leopold II, 1885-1908, silver franc of 1891, extremely fine.)"
This type was also struck 1887, 1891, 1894, 1896. It is not common but it is much more affordable than the five francs.
The history of the Congo has long been unhappy. The region was claimed by Leopold III of Belgium in the 1880's as his private domain, ostensibly to end the slave trade which had long afflicted the area. Instead, he instituted a reign of terror as natives were massacred if they failed to yield their assigned quota of rubber and ivory. Finally, after a world outcry, the government of Belgium annexed the area in 1908 and ended the most abusive practices. Still, few wept when the colonizers withdrew in 1960. Violence and exploitation continue to this day, fulfilling white racists' worst stereotypes about "darkest Africa."
Recorded mintage: 70,000.
Specification: 5 g, 0.835 fine silver, 23 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Dupriez 75, KM 6.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 138, Collection A. BLONDEL, Collection M. HENDRICKX, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2018.
Link to:
- 1891 50 centimes
- 1891 2 francs
- 1891 5 francs
- 1896 franc
- Coins and currency dated 1891
- return to coins of Belgian Congo