Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Francs 1965, KM# 11, Somaliland, French
  • 10 Francs 1965, KM# 11, Somaliland, French
Description

French Somaliland was a French colony in the Horn of Africa from 1884 to 1967. It later transformed into the French Territory of the Afars and the Issas, with the Republic of Djibouti as its legal successor. In 1885, France established protectorate treaties with the Gadabuursi and the Issa communities to safeguard their land from external threats. Despite no monetary transactions or land rights relinquishment, a dispute arose after French sailors were killed in Ambado in 1886, leading to French claims over the entire southern territory.

Engraver: Lucien Georges Bazor

Obverse

Depicts Mariane's head left, wearing a winged Phrygian cap, modern ships lower left and right behind the head, date in exergue. Surrounded by the inscription "French Republic French Union".

Marianne is a national symbol of the French Republic, an allegory of liberty and reason, and a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty. It is a significant Republican symbol, opposed to monarchy, and an icon of freedom and democracy against all forms of dictatorship. Her profile stands out on the official government logo of the country, is engraved on French euro coins and appears on French postage stamps; it also was featured on the former franc currency.

A cornucopia (the logo of the Paris Mint) on the left of the date. An owl (privy mark of Raymond Joly, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint from 1958 to 1974) on the right of the date. G.B.L. Bazor signature above.

REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE UNION FRANÇAISE
L.BAZOR GB
1965

Reverse

Depicts a boat in front of a ship on the sea, Djibouti harbor in the background, denomination above, and motto (Unity, Equality, Peace) in French above.

Djibouti's port, strategically positioned at a global shipping crossroads, connects Europe, the Far East, the Horn of Africa, and the Persian Gulf. Serving as a vital refueling and transshipment hub, it is the primary maritime gateway for Ethiopia, with around 2,500 ships passing through daily.

CÔTE FRANCAISE DES SOMALIS
10
FRANCS

Edge

10 Francs

KM# 11 Lec# 44 Schön# 8
Characteristics
Material Aluminium Bronze
Weight 3 g
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

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