Belgian Congo 1908 5 centimes
This specimen was lot 1381 in Jean Elsen sale 144 (Brussels, March 2020), where it sold for €60 (about US$79 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"CONGO, Etat Indépendant, Léopold II (1885-1908), Cupro-nickel 5 centimes, 1908 sur 1906. Fleur de Coin. (Congo Free State, Leopold II, 1885-1908, copper-nickel five centimes, 1908/6. Uncirculated.)"
The history of the Belgian 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." This type was also struck in 1906. The overdate shown here is mentioned in the SCWC but not priced.
Recorded mintage: 180,000.
Specification: copper-nickel, 19 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 9, Dupriez 138.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 144, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
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