© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
1 Unit
1883 year| Brass | 1.3 g | 17 mm |
| Issuer | French West Africa |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1883 |
| Value | 1 Unit = 5 Francs |
| Composition | Brass |
| Weight | 1.3 g |
| Diameter | 17 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#283908 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Same as obverse.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
OUEST AFRICAIN FRANÇAIS
1
1883
Translation: French African West.
Edge
Plain
Comment
Minted in Paris at the request of Savorgnan de Brazza.
Interesting fact
The Token 1 Unit 1883 from French West Africa made of Brass weighing 1.3g was used as a form of currency in the French West African colonies during the 19th century. It was introduced by the French government in 1883 as a replacement for the various local currencies that were in use at the time. The coin was made of brass and had a value of one unit, which was equivalent to 100 centimes. It was used throughout the French West African colonies, including Senegal, Guinea, Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The coin was eventually replaced by the West African CFA franc in 1945.
