Togo 1977 25000 francs
Togo, originally explored and annexed by Germany in the 1880's, was partitioned by France and England after World War One. The western (British) portion eventually became part of Ghana, while the eastern portion, after a period as a French colony, became the independent Republic of Togo in 1960. This specimen was lot 3842 in Goldberg sale 90 (Los Angeles, January 2016), where it sold for $1,351.25. The catalog description[1] noted, "Togo. 25,000 Francs, 1977. General Eyadema. Only 75 struck. Finest graded by NGC. Rare. NGC graded Proof 69 Ultra Cameo." This rare coin was accompanied by silver 5,000 and 10,000 francs and gold 15000 and 50000 francs. It is unlikely to have circulated outside the circle of the president's relatives and cronies. The president, having seized power in 1967, survived coups and assassination attempts to rule until his death in 2005.
Recorded mintage: 75.
Specification: 9 g, 0.917 fine gold, .5273 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: KM-11.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Goldberg, Ira, Larry Goldberg, John Lavender, Yifu Che, Jason Villareal and Stephen Harvey, Goldberg Sale 90: the Pre-Long Beach Auction, Los Angeles: Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, 2016.
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