Obverse. Photo © Arkady's coins
  • 10 Francs 2003, Congo, Democratic Republic, Paris 1924 Summer Olympics, Swimming
  • 10 Francs 2003, Congo, Democratic Republic, Paris 1924 Summer Olympics, Swimming
Description

The 1924 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VIII Olympiad, were held in Paris, France, from May 4 to July 27, 1924. These games marked the second time Paris hosted the Olympics, following the 1900 Games. A total of 44 nations and 3,089 athletes (including 135 women) participated, competing in 17 sports and 126 events.

Significant moments included the introduction of the Olympic motto, "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger), and the establishment of the Olympic Village for athletes. The games also gained recognition for their high standards of competition, including the memorable performance of Finnish runner Paavo Nurmi, who won five gold medals. These Olympics are famously depicted in the movie "Chariots of Fire", which dramatizes the victories of British athletes Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell.

Obverse

Depicts an official emblem of the Laurent Kabila regime: a mature male lion standing to the left amid the 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
10 FRANCS

Reverse

Depicts a swimmer in a pool, with the Eiffel Tower in the background separating the Olympic city and date. The occasion is inscribed in French above, while the date of issue and the Latin motto, meaning "FASTER, HIGHER, STRONGER," are inscribed below.

The Eiffel Tower (Tour Eiffel), an iconic symbol of France, is a wrought-iron lattice tower located on the Champ de Mars in Paris. Designed by Gustave Eiffel's engineering company, it was constructed between 1887 and 1889 as the centerpiece of the 1889 Exposition Universelle, held to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution. Standing at 330 meters (1,083 feet), it was the tallest man-made structure in the world until 1930.

Initially criticized by some for its unconventional design, the Eiffel Tower has become one of the most recognizable structures in the world and a global cultural icon. It attracts millions of visitors annually, offering breathtaking views of Paris from its three levels, which include restaurants and observation decks. The tower’s nightly illumination adds to its charm, making it a must-see landmark.

★ VIII JEUX OLYMPIQUES ★
PARIS 1924
2003
★ CITIUS ★ ALTIUS ★ FORTIUS ★

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 20 g
Diameter 38.61 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal

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