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10 Francs CFA Essai
| Issuer | Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1959 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 10 Francs CFA |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Central field dominated by the large denomination numeral '10' in bold relief, with a stylized West African antelope mask (teke mask) serving as the upright stroke of the '1', its elongated horns and incised facial features rendered in fine detail. The legend BANQUE CENTRALE arcs along the upper periphery, while ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST curves along the lower periphery, both in raised Latin capitals. Below the denomination, the word FRANCS appears in a slightly smaller font, with the word ESSAI (trial) inscribed beneath it in the lower central field, denoting the coin's pattern status. Two small decorative stops flank the field at mid-height, and the overall design reflects the refined engraving style of the Monnaie de Paris. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | BANQUE CENTRALE 10 FRANCS ETATS DE L'AFRIQUE DE L'OUEST ESSAI |
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| Additional information |
The BCEAO was established in 1959 as the monetary authority for the eight French West African territories transitioning toward independence, and essai pieces from that founding year were struck as pattern submissions rather than circulation issues — produced in strictly limited quantities for official approval and archival purposes. Most never left the hands of administrators and mint officials.
KM#E1 places this among the earliest documented essais for the new institution, struck at Paris before several member states had even formally declared independence.