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Katanga Coins |
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Katangan Coins
The official currency of Katanga was the Katangese franc.
In its brief period of independence, Katanga only issued two denominations of coins in 1961, 1 and 5 francs in base metal, and a gold version of the 5 franc coins.
Further Information
For more information on Katanga history and coinage please see our history page.
Designs & Description
The obverse design consists of a large bunch of bananas, quite a rare symbol on any coin. On the large flat raised border is ths single word KATANGA, and two knife symbols, which may represent knife money.
The reverse design is a large "Katanga cross", and the inscripion 5 FR BANQUE NATIONALE 1961.
The Katanga Cross or Handa
A Katanga cross was a form of ancient money used in this area from about the tenth century until about 1920, and called "handa". They varied in size and weight, but typically were about 8 inches across, and from about half a pound to 2 1/2 pounds. They were cast by pouring molten copper into moulds made in the sand. A typical cross One cross was worth ten kilos of flour, five fowls, three kilos of rubber or six axes.
They were also used to purchase a wife. One source quotes a bride price as fourteen large crosses, one goat, one gun and one female slave.
In addition to their use as a medium of exchange or currency, they also served as regalia, raw material, insignia and emblems.
Technical Specifications
Denomination | Diameter | Weight | Fineness | Gold Content |
5 Francs (Bronze) | 26 | |||
5 Francs | 26 | 13.3300 | .900 | .3857 |
Key to Table
Denomination = Face Value
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Gross weight in grams.
Gold Content = Gold content in Troy Ounces.
Prices & Availability
All prices on our websites are subject to fluctuation and availability. Please check before ordering.
Date | Denomination | Grade | Mintage | Availability | Price £ | Price $ |
1961 | 5 Francs | Yes | £Ask | $Ask | ||
1961 | 5 Francs | About Uncirculated | 20,000 | Yes | £See Page | $See Page |
Postage & Packing:
UK: At buyer's Risk £3.50 or
Fully Insured £9 (Usually by Royal Mail Special Delivery)
USA: Airmail at buyer's risk $10 or
Fully Insured $20
For further details, please see our Postage & Packing page.
If you want to find the value of a coin you own, please take a look at our page I've Found An Old Coin, What's It Worth?
If you have an enquiry about any of our Katanga Coins, we'd be happy to answer you, but please note it may be quicker to telephone us. Please see the Contact Us page of our website.
Coins Wanted
We make an active market in almost all world coins, including Katangan coins. If you have any of these coins to sell, please contact us, or post them to us for appraisal and offer.
...at the Lowest Possible Price |
32 - 36 Harrowside, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1RJ, England. Telephone (44) - (0) 1253 - 343081 ; Fax 408058; E-mail: The URL for our main page is: https://24carat.co.uk | Chard(1964) Ltd |