Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Francs 1956, KM# 5, French West Africa
  • 5 Francs 1956, KM# 5, French West Africa
  • 5 Francs 1956, KM# 5, French West Africa, Pattern coin (Essai)
Description

French West Africa (French: Afrique occidentale française, AOF) was a federation of eight French colonial territories in Africa: Mauritania, Senegal, French Sudan (now Mali), French Guinea, Ivory Coast, Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Dahomey (now Benin) and Niger. The capital of the federation was Dakar. The federation existed from 1895 until 1960.

Engraver: Lucien Georges Bazor

Obverse

Marianne's head, facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap. Divided date.

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 wing (privy mark of Lucien Georges Bazor, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint from 1930 to 1958) above 19 of date. A cornucopia (the logo of the Paris Mint) above 56 of date. G.B.L. Bazor signature on the collar.

19 56
G.B.L. BAZOR
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE

Reverse

Depicts a rhim gazelle head facing, divides denomination, various crops. Country name "French West Africa" below.

The rhim gazelle or rhim (Gazella leptoceros), also known as the slender-horned gazelle, sand gazelle or Loder's gazelle, is a pale-coated gazelle with long slender horns and well adapted to desert life.

5 F.
AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE FRANÇAISE

Edge
Characteristics
Material Aluminium Bronze
Weight 3 g
Diameter 20 mm
Thickness 1.5 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# E3
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

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