Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 50 Francs 2011, KM# 22, Burundi
  • 50 Francs 2011, KM# 22, Burundi
Description

Burundi is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley where the African Great Lakes region and East Africa converge. It is bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and southeast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west; Lake Tanganyika lies along its southwestern border. The capital cities are Gitega and Bujumbura. Burundi gained independence in 1962 and initially had a monarchy, but a series of assassinations, coups and a general climate of regional instability culminated in the establishment of a republic and one-party state in 1966.

Obverse

Depicts value inside two texted circles and date. The national motto of Burundi "Unity, Work, Progress" and "Bank of the Republic of Burundi" in French and in Kirundi.

BANQUE DE LA REPUBLIQUE DU BURUNDI
IBANKI YA REPUBLIKA Y'UBURUNDI
UNITE TRAVAIL PROGRES
UBUMWE IBIKORWA AMAJAMBERE
50F
2011

Reverse

A drummer balancing drum on his head and holding sticks in the air, Burundian flag on the background, date on the left and denomination below.

The Royal Drummers of Burundi, commonly known in recordings as The Drummers of Burundi, is a percussion ensemble originally from Burundi. Their performances are a part of ceremonies such as births, funerals, and coronations of mwami (Kings). Drums (called karyenda) are sacred in Burundi, and represent the mwami, fertility and regeneration. The Royal Drummers use drums made from hollowed tree trunks covered with animal skins. In addition to the central drum, called Inkiranya, there are Amashako drums which provide a continuous beat, and Ibishikiso drums, which follow the rhythm established by the Inkiranya.

The original national flag of Burundi was adopted after the country's independence from Belgium on 1 July 1962. It went through several revisions and now consists of a white saltire which divides the field into alternating red and green areas. The center of the saltire merges into a white disk, on which there are three red solid six-pointed stars outlined in green.

AMAFARANGA MIRONGO ITANU
50 F
2011
CINQUANTE FRANCS

Edge

50 Francs

KM# 22
Characteristics
Material Nickel Plated Steel
Weight 7.2 g
Diameter 29 mm
Thickness 1.63 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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