© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
5 Units
1883 year| Brass | 1.6 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | French West Africa |
|---|---|
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1883 |
| Value | 5 Units = 25 Francs |
| Composition | Brass |
| Weight | 1.6 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#283909 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Same as obverse.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
OUEST AFRICAIN FRANÇAIS
5
1883
Translation: French African West.
Edge
Plain
Comment
Minted in Paris at the request of Savorgnan de Brazza.
Interesting fact
The Token 5 Units 1883 from French West Africa made of Brass weighing 1.6g 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 5 units, which was equivalent to 5 francs. It was used widely in the French West African colonies, including Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and others. Despite its small size and relatively low value, this coin played an important role in the economy of the region during that time.
