Zaire 1975 100 zaires
The area of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was originally a Belgian colony called the Congo Free State. The territory gained independence in 1960, changed its name to Zaire in 1971, and changed names again to the DRC in 1997 after a civil war and assassination of president-for-life Mobutu Sese Seko.
This specimen was part of lot 1134 in Jean Elsen sale 133 (Brussels, June 2017), which sold for €1,350 (about US$1,784 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"CONGO, République du Zaïre, Mobutu (1971-1997), écrin de 3 p.: 100 zaïres (AV), 5 zaïres et 2 zaïres 50 makuta 1975. K.M. 9-11. Fleur de Coin. (republic of Zaire, Mobutu, 1971-97, gold hundred zaires of 1975, with other junk. Uncirculated.)"
Included in the set, but not photographed, were the silver 2½ and five zaires and copper-nickel fifty makuta. A copper-nickel ten makuta was also issued for the masses.
Recorded mintage: 1,415 + 279 proofs.
Specification: 33.44 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: KM 11.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 133, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2017.
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