The Republic of Cameroon uses the Central African CFA Franc as its currency; it is the common currency of six independent states in central Africa: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The CFA Franc has both common and national issues. All common circulating coins are issued under the authority of CEMAC ("Communauté Économique et Monétaire de l'Afrique Centrale" - Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa) and have no issuing country. Separately, each member country can strike coins bearing its national symbols; these coins are legal tender in the other members of the bloc too.
Cameroon has authorised some foreign mints to strike coins under its issuing authority for investment or for collector's purposes. These are usually dedicated to historical or general popular culture themes not related to the country itself. Many of them are in standard bullion sizes, such as the internationally popular one tenth of a troy ounce (1/10oz) of gold format.
This coin is part of a series of bullion coins by the Scottsdale Mint featuring the wildlife of Cameroon, and portrays the Cheetah.
The mint says about it: The cheetah, also known as the fastest land animal on earth, is a stunningly beautiful and graceful creature. With a slender body, elongated legs, and distinctive spotted fur, cheetahs are built for speed and agility. They can run at incredible speeds of up to 75 miles per hour, making them capable of outrunning almost any prey in their path. Their unique physiology allows them to achieve such impressive feats of speed, with their lightweight frame and flexible spine helping them to accelerate and manoeuvre with ease.
However, despite their impressive qualities, cheetahs are currently facing a significant threat to their survival. Habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as poaching and hunting, have led to a sharp decline in their population in recent years. In fact, the cheetah is now listed as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
To combat this alarming trend, conservation efforts are being made to protect cheetahs and their habitats. Organisations such as the Cheetah Conservation Fund are working to educate local communities about the importance of protecting these animals, while also providing support for research and conservation efforts. Additionally, efforts are being made to establish protected areas and corridors that allow cheetahs to move freely and safely throughout their natural range.
Despite the challenges they face, the cheetah remains an awe-inspiring and beloved species, and efforts to protect them are crucial for ensuring their survival for generations to come. |