Dahomey 1971 500 francs
This specimen was part of lot 30427 in Heritage sale 3081 (New York, January 2020), which sold for $4,440. The catalog description[1] noted, "Dahomey: Republic 7-Piece Certified gold & silver "10th Anniversary of Independence" Proof Set 1971 Ultra Cameo NGC, 1) "Lake Ganvie" 100 Francs - PR69; 2) "Abomey Woman" 200 Francs - PR68; 3) "Oueme Woman" 500 Francs - PR68; 4) "Somba Woman" 1000 Francs - PR69, KM 4.1; 5) gold "Dancers" 2500 Francs - PR68, KM 6, AGW 0.2569 oz. 6) gold "Water Buffalos" 5000 Francs - PR68, KM 7. AGW 0.5142 oz. 7) gold "Hippopotamus" 10,000 Francs - PR68, KM 8. AGW 1.028 oz. Scarcely ever offered as a set, all stunning premium gem Proofs. Sold with the original case of issue and COA #333. Total AGW 1.779 oz." The sole coinage from this state in west Africa is this series of NCLT's of 1971, ranging from a silver hundred francs to gold 25,000 francs (KM 1 thru 9). A variety exists (KM 1.1) with the hallmark above the denomination instead of to the right as shown here. Dahomey was renamed the Republic of Benin in 1975. Ouémé (rhymes with "we may") is one of the twelve departments of Benin, containing the capital of the country Porto Novo.
Recorded mintage: 5,550.
Specification: 25.20 g, 0.999 fine silver, 40 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 3.1.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3081, featuring the Caranett Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
Link to: