THIS
chronicle, the first in English to provide a systematic discussion of this area of
numismatic interest, will prove a valuable resource for collectors, coin dealers
and auction houses, as well as those with an interest in African studies and
history in general. It contains hundreds of pictures as well as specifications
(size, weight, mintage figures, etc) for about every coin ever minted for Congo/Zaïre. Many
essai/pattern coins as
well as coins with notable strike anomalies, such as date over-strikes are also
included.
THE
majority of the coins in this volume are
displayed larger than actual size for illustrative purposes - with the actual
dimensions noted. The myriad of pictures were not extensively edited. They were collected from an array of sources,
and therefore, vary in terms
of quality, as do the coins they display.
AN
attempt was made to be as thorough as possible. Therefore, even when a picture
was not available of a known, extant coin example, other pertinent information
about the coin is included when possible.
IDENTIFYING reference numbers for the coins are drawn primarily from the cataloging work of:
Charles Dupriez (1949) and Léon Bogaert (1972), as well as Louis Ciani and
Krause Mishler Publications. I have added a number of attributions for coins not
previously listed, or clearly delineated. Where I have added attributions they
are "built" primarily on the numbering system of Dupriez.
IT
has been said that a coin is just a small piece of metal, seemingly
inconsequential in the greater scheme of things - until it is examined in light
of its historical context. Thereafter, everything changes, as it is revealed
that the small piece of metal is actually a reflection of the political and
socio-economic realities of its time and place. Whether that time period and culture be
peaceful or tumultuous, much can be deduced contextually from the coinage of any
particular age.
IN
the period from 1887-1997, the Congo went through a metamorphosis.
Initially the
nation was ruled for some 23 years (commencing in 1885) by a foreign
King, who
imprinted his image on the first coin designs for the Congo Free
State. As absolute ruler of the Congo Free State, Belgian
King Leopold II's image was front and center on all the silver coinage
of the
period (1887-1896). Subsequently, renamed the Belgian Congo, and
henceforth administered by the Belgian government, the coin designs for
the
colony would for decades, continue to portray Belgian heads-of-state,
Albert II
and then Leopold III, as the centerpiece.
THE Congo's coinage by the 1940's, finally began to reflect fauna of the
country - elephants, with no reference to Belgian heads-of-state. In 1965 the
newly independent Congo's first circulation coinage was released, featuring a
lion design. Katanga's earlier experiment with independence (1961) produced the
1 and 5 franc pieces that included bananas and copper crosses in
their design - with no portrait of a government official.
PORTRAITS of heads-of-state, so common in European coin designs, by 1965 were once again
utilized on coins in the Congo. This time, however, it was Congo's first
President, Joseph Kasa-Vubu that would grace a gold 5-piece Independence
Anniversary Set. Subsequently, after Mobutu came to power, his portrait would
anchor the obverse of Congo's coinage from 1967-1988, reflecting his central
role in, and absolute control over the Congo's affairs. As it would turn out,
this one-hundred-ten year period (1887-1997) would end as it had began, with
supreme rulers, first Leopold II and then Mobutu, stepping (or forced as the case may
be) aside as cries for economic and societal reforms rang aloud both in and
outside the Congo. Thus the Congo's coinage is a lasting and tangible testament
to the historic and economic realities, of both the Congo itself and the nations
with which it interacted . . .
FORTUNATELY, for those who collect and study African coinage, this hundred-ten year period of the Congo's development offers a wealth of opportunity. Almost all the coin types ever minted for the Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zaïre can be found in the numismatic marketplace. These coins while readily available in circulated condition, can in many instances, be found in uncirculated grades as well, even those dating back to the first years of the Congo Free State. In addition, in recent years a number of essai/pattern strikes have appeared in International auctions, some dating from 1887, the Congo's first year of coinage. Hopefully, armed with an understanding of the cultural context and significance of these pieces, all of our collecting experiences will be enhanced, and consequently made more productive, enjoyable and fulfilling.
. . . RKL
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