Silver Three Ounces 2023 Slavic Beastiary - Alkonost, Coin from Cameroon - detailed information

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 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 sizes based on the troy ounce, including the large three ounces (3oz) of silver format.

This coin featuring the Alkonost is part of the Slavic Beastiary series of coins.

Alkonost is a creature with the body of a bird and the head of a beautiful woman. Her name comes from the Greek goddess Alcyone, who transformed into a kingfisher. Symbolising happiness and hope, Alkonost entices with her extraordinary voice, a sound so enchanting that once heard, it becomes the only one you wish to hear. According to legend, during the winter solstice, Alkonost lays her eggs on the beach and rolls them towards the sea. When they reach the depths, the water calms for seven days. After this period, a great storm breaks out, and the sea becomes untamed. The eggs surface, and Alkonost returns to retrieve them, brooding them on the shore.