5 Francs - Léopold III

The Banque du Congo Belge issued this coin as part of a broader effort to stabilize and formalize currency circulation in the colony during the mid-1930s, a period when the Belgian franc itself was under pressure following Belgium's departure from the gold standard in 1935. Nickel brass was a deliberate practical choice for colonial coinage — harder-wearing than straight nickel, cheaper than silver, and visually distinct enough to prevent confusion with metropolitan issues.

The two-year production window of 1936–1937 was short even by colonial mint standards.