Katanga Coins

Reverse of 1961 Katanga 5 Francs Countries

Obverse of 1961 Katanga 5 Francs

Brief Katangan History
In June 1960, The Belgian Congo became independent of Belgium, and was renamed omitting "Belgian". Independence proved to be chaotic and unstable, civil war erupted with the two main factions being supported by the USA and USSR in opposition. The United Nations mounted a peacekeeping operation, which was not above criticism. As the richest province, Katanga, with its natural resources including copper cobalt and uranium, declared itself as a separate state. This secession was led by Moishe Tshombe, supported by the Belgian owned mining company and an army of European mercenaries.
In The Congo, Joseph Mobutu lead a military coup which overthrew the communist backed Prime Minister Patrice Lubumba.
By 1963, the dream of an independent Katanga was over and it was renamed Shaba or Shabasa, and the capital Elizabethville was renamed Lubumbashi. Meanwhile in 1961 Katanga issued a gold proof 5 francs.

Katangan Gold Coins
In its brief period of independence, Katanga only issued two denominations of coins in 1961, 1 and 5 francs in base metal, and a gold version of the 5 franc coins.

Designs & Description
The obverse design consists of a large bunch of bananas, quite a rare symbol on any coin. On the large flat raised border is ths single word KATANGA, and two knife symbols, which may represent knife money.
The reverse design is a large "Katanga cross", and the inscripion 5 FR BANQUE NATIONALE 1961.

The Katanga Cross or Handa
A Katanga cross was a form of ancient money used in this area from about the tenth century until about 1920, and called "handa". They varied in size and weight, but typically were about 8 inches across, and from about half a pound to 2 1/2 pounds. They were cast by pouring molten copper into moulds made in the sand. A typical cross One cross was worth ten kilos of flour, five fowls, three kilos of rubber or six axes.
They were also used to purchase a wife. One source quotes a bride price as fourteen large crosses, one goat, one gun and one female slave.
In addition to their use as a medium of exchange or currency, they also served as regalia, raw material, insignia and emblems.

Technical Specifications

Denomination	Diameter	Weight	Fineness	Gold Content
5 Francs	26	13.3300	.900	.3857

Key to Table
Denomination = Face Value
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Gross weight in grams.
Gold Content = Gold content in Troy Ounces.

Prices & Availability
The prices quoted in the US $ column may be out of date due to currency fluctuations.

Date	Denomination	Grade	Mintage	Availability	Price £	Price $
1961	5 Francs	About Uncirculated	20,000	Yes	£325	$485

Postage & Packing:
UK: At buyer's Risk £2.50 or
Fully Insured £6 (Usually by Royal Mail Special Delivery)
USA: Airmail at buyer's risk $10 or
Fully Insured $20
For further details, please see our Postage & Packing page.

Order Form
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Coins Wanted
We make an active market in almost all world coins, including Katangan coins. If you have any of these coins to sell, please contact us, or post them to us for appraisal and offer.