Ruanda-Urundi 5 Francs 1956-1959

History

5 Francs 1956-1959, KM# 3, Ruanda-Urundi

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

Ruanda-Urundi was a territory in the African Great Lakes region, once part of German East Africa, which was ruled by Belgium between 1922 and 1962. Occupied by the Belgians during the East African Campaign during World War I, the territory was under Belgian military occupation from 1916 to 1922 and later became a Belgian-controlled Class B Mandate under the League of Nations from 1922 to 1945. After the disestablishment of the League and World War II, Ruanda-Urundi became a Trust Territory of the United Nations, still under Belgian control. In 1962, the mandate became independent as the two separate countries of Rwanda and Burundi.

Engraver: Joseph De Bruyn

Obverse	Animal (fish, bird, mammal etc.) Lion Coat of arms Belgian Congo Crown, jewelry Belgium The small crowned arms of the Belgian Congo divide date. The star is for the African International Association (AIA), created in September 1876 on the initiative of the King of Belgium Leopold II "to open Africa to civilisation and to abolish slavery", later used by succeeding organisations, from 1882 the International Association of Congo (IAC) and from 1885 the Independent State of Congo. The central band is the Congo river. The inescutcheon is the arms of the king. These were granted in 1880. They consist of the lion of Belgium, with a small shield of Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha, the king's family arms. These arms were not abolished until 1963. BELGISCH CONGO BELGE 19 58 D. B. ★ RUANDA-URUNDI ★
Reverse	Tree, flower, plant etc. Oil palm Oil palm divides denomination. BANQUE CENTRALE 5 F D.B. ★ CENTRALE BANK ★
Edge	Reeded (milled)