The Coinage of Katanga
PCGS_SocialMedia
Posts: 327 mod
The State of Katanga was a short-lived, disputed territory that, during its short three years of independence from 1960 through 1963, issued money and stamps until dissolved. During its brief time as an independent state, Katanga issued three coins. The coins, all with the same design, were issued as bronze 1 Franc and 5 Francs pieces as well as a 5 Francs gold numismatic collectible.
The Katanga Franc, when issued in 1961, was on par with the Belgium Franc – about 50 Francs to one United States dollar. With only three coins issued, it isn’t hard to assemble a complete set. The 1 Franc and 5 Francs are common, costing only a few US dollars each, even in uncirculated condition.
A Katanga Cross, pictured above, can be bought for as little as a few hundred United States dollars. However, collectors need to ascertain that any Katanga Crosses they buy are being sold by reputable dealers or auction houses to ensure authenticity.
https://www.pcgs.com/news/coinage-of-katanga
Want our top articles delivered to your e-mail inbox bi-weekly? Join our e-newsletter here: https://www.pcgs.com/newsletter
Comments
The Gold 5 Franc (MS66) pictured in the previous is in the EML Collection. PCGS SET REGISTRY: https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/africa/congo/congo-katanga-circulation-strikes-1961/imagegallery/128171
In addition to the aforementioned circulation strikes and Gold 5 Franc, a handful of SP strikes exist as well - bronze 1 Franc and 5 Franc/Kings Norton. EML Collection/PCGS SET REGISTRY:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/africa/congo/congo-katanga-special-strikes-1961/imagegallery/163945
There also are number of Gold 5 Franc pieces that display a similar die break on the Katanga Cross face - at about 2:00 - running to the rim from the lower tip of the the "cross" under the letter E. (a definite variety)
The Katanga Gold pieces are actually some of the first Gold Bullion investment pieces of the latter half of the 20th century - they pre-date the Krugerand and U.S. Gold eagles, etc.
1961 5 Fr KM-2 SP65RD
1961 1 Fr SP66RB
RKL
www.numiscongo.com
Apmex sells the gold 5 Fr pieces, if anybody is looking for one.