Belgian Congo 1896 franc
This specimen was lot 1503 in Jean Elsen sale 156 (Brussels, September 2023), where it sold for €180 (about US$231 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"CONGO, Etat Indépendant, Léopold II (1885-1908), AR 1 franc, 1896 sur 1894. Rare. Nettoyé. Très Beau. (Congo Free State, Leopold II, 1885-1908, silver one franc of 1896/4. Rare, cleaned, Very Fine.)"
This type was struck 1887, 1891, 1894, 1896. It is not common but it is much more affordable than the five francs. The overdate shown here is not noted in the SCWC.
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: 160,000, the most common date.
Specification: 5 g, 0.835 fine silver, 23 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 6, Dupriez 122.
- 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 156, Collection de Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
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