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10 Francs Lion, silver essai
| Issuer | Niger |
|---|---|
| Year | 1968 |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A finely detailed, high-relief effigy of a standing lion (Panthera leo) dominates the central field, depicted facing forward with a full mane and tail raised, standing amid stylized vegetation and rocky ground. The powerful naturalistic rendering conveys the animal's musculature with considerable sculptural depth, characteristic of the proof-quality essai striking technique. The curved legend 'REPUBLIQUE DU NIGER' arcs along the upper periphery, flanking the lion on both sides. The field is mirror-like and deeply struck, consistent with an essai or proof presentation piece. The inner border is defined by a continuous beaded rim. |
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| Reverse lettering | REPUBLIQUE DU NIGER (Translation: Republic of Niger.) |
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| Additional information |
Niger's 1968 essai coinage was produced in the lead-up to the country's adoption of the CFA franc zone's standardized coinage, when individual Francophone African states were still issuing their own distinct trial pieces through the Paris Mint. Essais of this type were struck in strictly limited numbers — typically around 1,700 pieces — primarily for distribution to collectors and monetary officials rather than any circulating purpose.
The silver specification distinguishes this from the aluminum-bronze circulation proposal it was testing.