| Coin | Silver Ounce 2016 African Ounce - Meerkat |
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The Rwandan Franc was introduced as the currency of Rwanda in 1964. Apart from its regular circulating coinage, the country has also authorised some foreign mints to issue coins under its jurisdiction, which come in a variety of sizes - including in the internationally popular silver ounce (1 oz silver) format, denominated usually as 50 Francs. Like any bullion coin though, their actual value is unrelated to the face value, and is based primarily on the metal content and the spot price of that metal on the commodities markets.
This coin is part of the African Ounce series which features a new animal on the reverse every year; this year's design is dedicated to the Meerkat.
The meerkat (Suricata suricatta) or suricate is a small mongoose found in southern Africa. It is characterised by a broad head, large eyes, a pointed snout, long legs, a thin tapering tail, and a brindled coat pattern. The head-and-body length is around 24 - 35 cm, and the weight is typically between 0.62 and 0.97 kg. The coat is light grey to yellowish-brown with alternate, poorly-defined light and dark bands on the back. Meerkats have foreclaws adapted for digging and have the ability to thermoregulate to survive in their harsh, dry habitat. |
| Mint | B. H. Mayer |
Mint Mark | No mint mark |
Total Mintage |
11,000
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| Obverse | |
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Within a plain rim, the obverse of the coin features the Coat of Arms of Rwanda. At its centre is a traditional basket, surrounded by the central tribal devices: a stem of sorghum on the left, and a branch of a coffee tree on the right, surmounted on a cog wheel with the sun with its rays above. These are protected by two typical Rwandan shields, one on the right and one on the left. The design is encircled by a rope, tied below in a square knot.
On a ribbon above, REPUBULIKA Y'U RWANDA (Republic of Rwanda); on a ribbon below, the motto UBUMWE · UMURIMO · GUKUNDA IGIHUGU (Unity, Work, Patriotism in Kinyarwanda - the official Rwandan language).
Around above, the name of the issuing authority: BANKI NKURU Y'U RWANDA (National Bank of Rwanda; in French: Banque Nationale du Rwanda; abbreviated as BNR).
Around below, the face value AMAFARANGA 50 MIRONGO ITANU (50 FRW - fifty Rwandan Francs). |
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| Reverse | |
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The reverse design depicts a large relief map of Africa, partly interrupting the rim.
Below left, a family of meerkats - father, mother and baby.
Around left, the name of the coin series: AFRICAN OUNCE.
Around above right, the date of issue 2016. Around below right, facing outward, the precious metal content: 1 oz FINE SILVER 999 (one troy ounce of 99.9% silver). |
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| Reverse Inscription |
AFRICAN OUNCE 2016 1 oz FINE SILVER 999 |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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| Notes | Finish: bullion (Brilliant Uncirculated).
Packaging: sealed in plastic foil branded for BNR (National Bank of Rwanda); multiples of 10 come in sheets of unbroken foils. |
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