Ten Francs Silver 2003 Historical Cars - Duesenberg SJ, Coin from Congo, Democratic Republic of the - detailed information

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 1932 Duesenberg SJ.

The German Duesenberg brothers made themselves a good name by building racing cars and had won several times the Indianapolis race. In the late 1920s their intention was to introduce their racing knowledge into touring automobiles - the SJ series. This top model had have a very exclusive composition - compressor supported 6,7 liters, 8-cylinder motor, 320 hp - from 0 to 160 km/h only 17 seconds, top speed 192 km/h! This was the first car with 4-wheel hydraulic brakes as well. In total only 400 cars of this very exclusive double seat roadster model were manufactured until 1937.