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 standard bullion sizes, but the silver 1000 Francs - such as this coin - are not; their weight is more than a half ounce but less than one ounce, and is "metric" - 25 grams of silver.
The Mint says about this coin: The Butterfly is an insect known throughout the world and fascinates young and old because of its diversity. More than 180?000 species are known. It incarnates a signal of freedom and also of a boundless love. Every butterfly makes its own demands towards the environment. These animals can only truly develop themselves if these demands are fulfilled.
There are butterflies that do not have one pigment but nevertheless come up with terrific colour brilliance. These so-called structural colours occur when a white light falls on periodically arranged lamellas which are arranged at an equal distance.
These interesting characteristics are reflected on this 3D-hologram coin which does the colourful butterfly justice. A rainbow-like play of light on the relief minted butterfly produces a unique effect which is only possible by using this method. A beautiful play between the multicoloured spectrum and the matt surface occurs. Let yourself be captivated. |