Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 10 Francs 2002, Congo, Democratic Republic, 2002 Football (Soccer) World Cup in Korea and Japan, Flag of Italy
  • 10 Francs 2002, Congo, Democratic Republic, 2002 Football (Soccer) World Cup in Korea and Japan, Flag of Italy
Description

The 2002 FIFA World Cup, held from May 31 to June 30, was the first World Cup hosted in Asia and the first to be co-hosted by two countries, South Korea and Japan. This landmark tournament featured several surprises, thrilling matches, and historical moments, capturing the attention of fans worldwide. Traditional football powerhouses like France and Argentina faced shocking early exits in the group stage, while underdog teams like Turkey and South Korea made unprecedented advances, with Turkey finishing in third place and South Korea reaching the semifinals.

The final was contested between Brazil and Germany, marking their first meeting in a World Cup final. Brazil won 2-0 with two goals from Ronaldo, who made a triumphant comeback after injuries had plagued his career in the previous years. This victory gave Brazil its fifth World Cup title, the most by any nation, solidifying Ronaldo's legacy as one of the tournament's greatest players. The 2002 World Cup is remembered for its unexpected outcomes, enthusiastic local support, and a thrilling mix of emerging and established football talent.

Obverse

Depicts an official emblem of the Laurent Kabila regime: a mature male lion standing to the left amid grass, symbolizing strength and authority. Above the lion is the country’s name in French, the denomination is placed below.

Kabila’s regime, which began in 1997 after he overthrew Mobutu Sese Seko, was characterized by efforts to rebuild the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) after decades of dictatorship. His government sought to restore national sovereignty, but faced internal conflict and external pressures, particularly during the Second Congo War.

REPUBLIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO
2002

Reverse

Depicts two soccer players, one celebrating and the other executing a powerful scissor kick—one of the most striking moves in acrobatic soccer, with the colored Italian flag and the inscription "Italy" alongside the flags of the host countries, South Korea and Japan, positioned to the left of the athletes, surrounded by the tournament title, year and the denomination.

The flag of Italy, known as the Tricolore, features three vertical stripes of green, white, and red, from left to right. It was first adopted in 1797 by the Cisalpine Republic, inspired by the French Tricolore, symbolizing liberty and revolutionary ideals. The flag's colors have various interpretations: green is often said to represent the country's plains and hills, white symbolizes the snowy Alps, and red stands for the bloodshed in Italy's quest for independence and unity. Officially established in its current form by the Italian Republic on January 1, 1948, the Italian flag is a powerful national symbol of unity and identity.

COUPE MONDIALE 2002
10 FRANCS

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.925
Weight 28.3 g
Diameter 40 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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