10 Francs Independence

Mali issued this gold piece in 1967, seven years after independence from France, as part of a short-lived prestige coinage series tied to the country's brief experiment with monetary independence. When Mali left the West African franc zone in 1962 to establish its own currency, the Malian franc, the move proved economically ruinous — chronic inflation and trade imbalances forced a humiliating return to the franc zone in 1967, the same year this coin was struck, under terms dictated by France that included a 50% devaluation.

The series was never intended for circulation. Mintage figures were small, production was handled by the Paris Mint, and the coins were aimed squarely at the international collector market.