Belgian Congo 1936 5 francs
This specimen was lot 2287 in Sincona sale 20 (Zürich, October 2014), where it sold for CHF 160 (about US$201 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "Belgian Congo. 5 Francs 1936. Vorzüglich-FDC. (extremely fine to uncirculated.)" This type was issued 1936-37 and is common in circulated condition tho scarce choioe.
The history of the Congo is itself much less happy. 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: 2,600,000.
Specification: nickel bronze, this specimen 13.16 g.
Catalog reference: KM 24.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, Numismatic Coins & Medals: Auction 20, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2014.
Link to:
- 1929 franc, French legends
- 1929 frank, Dutch legends
- 1937 5 francs
- Coins and currency dated 1936
- return to coins of the Belgian Congo