Haiti 5 Centimes 1975

History

5 Centimes 1975, KM# 119, Haiti, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

Jean-Claude Duvalier (nicknamed “Baby Doc”) (1951–2014), was the President of Haiti from 1971 until his overthrow by a popular uprising in 1986. He succeeded his father François "Papa Doc" Duvalier as the ruler of Haiti after the latter's death in 1971. After assuming power, he introduced cosmetic changes to his father's regime and delegated much authority to his advisors. Thousands of Haitians were killed or tortured, and hundreds of thousands fled the country during his presidency. He maintained a notoriously lavish lifestyle (including a state-sponsored US$ 2 million wedding in 1980) while poverty among his people remained the most widespread of any country in the Western Hemisphere. Rebellion against the Duvalier regime broke out in 1985 and Baby Doc fled to France in 1986 on a U.S. Air Force craft.

Obverse	Person (politician, revolutionary, entrepreneur) Jean-Claude Duvalier President Jean-Claude Duvalier left, date below. REPUBLIQUE D'HAÏTI 1975
Reverse	Coat of arms Haiti Flag Haiti Military Cannon National arms, numeral below, motto "Liberty • Equality • Fraternity" and inscription "Increase Food Production" above. The coat of arms of Haiti was originally introduced in 1807, and has appeared in its current form since 1986. It shows six draped flags of the country, three on each side, which are located before a palm tree and cannons on a green lawn. On the lawn various items are found, such as a drum, bugles, long guns, and ship anchors. Above the palm tree, there is a Phrygian cap placed as a symbol of freedom. The ribbon bears the motto in French: L'Union Fait La Force ("Unity Makes Strength"). This should not be confused with the national motto of Haiti, which according to the Constitution of Haiti is "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity." LIBERTÉ • ÉGALITÉ • FRATERNITÉ AUGMENTONS LA PRODUCTION ALIMENTAIRE L'UNION FAIT LA FORCE • 5 •
Edge	Plain