The Democratic Republic of the Congo normally uses banknotes for circulation, and does not issue coins in the Congolese Franc currency. However, the country has authorised some foreign mints to issue commemorative and bullion coins under its jurisdiction.
Most of them are in standard bullion sizes, but some are not. CIT issued a series of silver 10 Francs and Five Francs in their own format, in 25 to 27 grams of silver. The coins are considered "Non-Circulating Legal Tender" (NCLT) and not bullion because they are issued at prices higher than their bullion value and are targeted at collectors who appreciate them for their artistic or sentimental value, and not at investors in precious metals.
This coin is part of the Historical Cars collection, and features the 1908 Berliet.
The Berliet company was founded 1895. The company delivered the first cars to the French Government to replace earlier coaches. The depicted car was equipped with a 40 hp motor, 4 gears and had brakes on all four wheel cylinders. The maximum speed was over 50 km/h. The company is still in existence but now only makes trucks. |