A Numismatic History of Congo/Zaïre: 1887-1997

Richard K. LeVan
with contributions by
Beverly B. LeVan and Leopold Verbist

Exploring 110 years of Circulation and Proof coinage, 24 chapters, 359 pages with illustrations

ISBN: 978-0-692-81068-2

THIS book addresses the coinage of Congo/Zaïre. It sets the coins in their historical context as it moves in chronological fashion from the first silver and copper coins authorized by the BelgianKing, Leopold II in 1887, for the Congo Free State (L'État indépendant du Congo) through the last silver and gold proof coins authorized by Joseph Mobutu in his final turbulent years as thePresident of Zaïre (1996-1997).

THIS chronicle, the first in English to provide a systematic discussion of this area of numismatic interest, will prove a valuable resource for collectors, coin dealers and auction houses, as wellas those with an interest in African studies and history in general. It contains hundreds of pictures as well as specifications (size, weight, mintage figures, etc) for about every coin ever mintedfor Congo/Zaïre. Many essai/pattern coins as well as coins with notable strike anomalies, such as date over-strikes are also included.

THE majority of the coins in this volume are displayed larger than actual size for illustrative purposes - with the actual dimensions noted. The myriad of pictures were not extensively edited.They were collected from an array of sources, and therefore, vary in terms of quality, as do the coins they display.

AN attempt was made to be as thorough as possible. Therefore, even when a picture was not available of a known, extant coin example, other pertinent information about the coin is included whenpossible.

IDENTIFYING reference numbers for the coins are drawn primarily from the cataloging work of: Charles Dupriez (1949) and Léon Bogaert (1972), as well as Louis Ciani and Krause Mishler Publications.I have added a number of attributions for coins not previously listed, or clearly delineated. Where I have added attributions they are "built" primarily on the numbering system ofDupriez.

IT has been said that a coin is just a small piece of metal, seemingly inconsequential in the greater scheme of things - until it is examined in light of its historical context. Thereafter,everything changes, as it is revealed that the small piece of metal is actually a reflection of the political and socio-economic realities of its time and place. Whether that time period and culturebe peaceful or tumultuous, much can be deduced contextually from the coinage of any particular age.

IN the period from 1887-1997, the Congo went through a metamorphosis. Initially the nation was ruled for some 23 years (commencing in 1885) by a foreign King, who imprinted his image on the firstcoin designs for the Congo Free State. As absolute ruler of the Congo Free State, Belgian King Leopold II's image was front and center on all the silver coinage of the period (1887-1896).Subsequently, renamed the Belgian Congo, and henceforth administered by the Belgian government, the coin designs for the colony would for decades, continue to portray Belgian heads-of-state, AlbertII and then Leopold III, as the centerpiece.

THE Congo's coinage by the 1940's, finally began to reflect fauna of the country - elephants, with no reference to Belgian heads-of-state. In 1965 the newly independent Congo's firstcirculation coinage was released, featuring a lion design. Katanga's earlier experiment with independence (1961) produced the 1 and 5 franc pieces that included bananas and copper crosses intheir design - with no portrait of a government official.

PORTRAITS of heads-of-state, so common in European coin designs, by 1965 were once again utilized on coins in the Congo. This time, however, it was Congo's first President, Joseph Kasa-Vubuthat would grace a gold 5-piece Independence Anniversary Set. Subsequently, after Mobutu came to power, his portrait would anchor the obverse of Congo's coinage from 1967-1988, reflecting hiscentral role in, and absolute control over the Congo's affairs. As it would turn out, this one-hundred-ten year period (1887-1997) would end as it had began, with supreme rulers, first Leopold IIand then Mobutu, stepping (or forced as the case may be) aside as cries for economic and societal reforms rang aloud both in and outside the Congo. Thus the Congo's coinage is a lasting andtangible testament to the historic and economic realities, of both the Congo itself and the nations with which it interacted . . .

FORTUNATELY, for those who collect and study African coinage, this hundred-ten year period of the Congo's development offers a wealth of opportunity. Almost all the coin types ever minted forthe Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zaïre can be found in the numismatic marketplace. These coins while readily available in circulated condition, can inmany instances, be found in uncirculated grades as well, even those dating back to the first years of the Congo Free State. In addition, in recent years a number of essai/pattern strikes haveappeared in International auctions, some dating from 1887, the Congo's first year of coinage. Hopefully, armed with an understanding of the cultural context and significance of these pieces, allof our collecting experiences will be enhanced, and consequently made more productive, enjoyable and fulfilling.

For more information, or to order, see:
http://www.numiscongo.com/