African Coins

When and where were the first African coins minted?

Most African civilizations did not know currency until the arrival of Europeans. For commercial exchanges, they used what we know as pre-monetary currencies, which could be objects such as shells, feathers, cocoa, salt, etc. One of these objects was the so-called manillas, a kind of metal bracelets that were highly prized and used extensively in the slave trade. During the colonial period, many African countries began using coins that were issued by European colonial powers, such as the French franc or the British pound. However, some of them began to introduce their own coins after gaining independence in the mid-20th century.

How can African coins be classified?

African coins can be categorized in several ways, primarily based on geography, historical periods, materials, denominations, and themes. Geographically, coins can be classified as North African, West African, East African, Southern African, or Central African coins. Historically, they can be grouped as ancient African coins hailing from civilizations such as Egypt, colonial and imperial coins from the colonial era, and modern and post-independence coins issued by African nations. Material-wise, coins are typically made of various metals like copper, silver, and nickel, with some being precious metal commemorative coins. Denominations vary widely, including cents, shillings, francs, and more. Themes and designs on African coins encompass wildlife, historical figures, cultural symbols, and landmarks.

What are some of the most important African coin denominations?

Among the most important denominations, cowrie shells held a unique status in pre-metal coinage as a symbol of currency and cultural significance, particularly in West Africa. Another notable example of premonetal coinage in Africa is the Katanga Cross, a cast copper ingot, which is nowadays represented in the coins of the regions that used it. Moreover, the Maria Theresa Thaler, originally from Austria, played a pivotal role in North and East Africa's trade and economy. In West Africa, metal coins imitating the cowrie shell's form were also essential for trade. Various denominations like piastres, rupees, and francs were used in regions with colonial ties to European powers, with the West and Central African Francs being notably important. Shillings, dinars, dirhams, and cents served their respective regions, and the South African Rand became a significant currency denomination in Southern Africa.

What are the main characteristics of African coins?

African coins are distinguished by their diverse designs, often featuring a rich tapestry of images such as indigenous wildlife, iconic figures from history, national landmarks, and cultural symbols. Furthermore, they are crafted from various metals, including copper, nickel, and silver, with occasional use of precious metals like gold, reflecting the economic resources and historical contexts of their issuing countries. Their varied shapes and sizes, from circular to square or rectangular, stem from a blend of historical traditions and practical considerations. Linguistic diversity is another hallmark, with inscriptions often in multiple languages, representing the continent's linguistic richness.

What are some notable African coins?

Among African coins, the South African Krugerrand stands out as one of the most widely traded gold bullion coins globally, bearing the likenesses of Paul Kruger and a springbok antelope. Ethiopian birr coins celebrate the country's cultural heritage through symbols like the Ethiopian Lion of Judah and the Axum obelisks, while Nigeria's naira coins showcase native wildlife and cultural pride. Kenya's shilling coins celebrate its natural beauty and diverse wildlife, and Ghana's cedi coins feature Ashanti symbols, emphasizing its cultural richness. Finally, Namibian dollar coins frequently feature native wildlife, including oryx and cheetahs, celebrating the country’s unique desert ecosystems and wildlife.

Which African coins can you find at VCoins?

In this section, you will find a vast collection of items from the African continent from 1500 AD until today, organized in different categories according to the country where they were minted.

Egyptian coins

Throughout Egypt’s history, its coinage evolved in response to changing rulers and dynasties, with various pharaohs and leaders issuing their own coins. The production of coins in this region began during the Ptolemaic dynasty and persisted throughout the Roman period. Coins from this period can be found in the Ancient Coins section. During the later medieval period, Egypt came under the rule of the Ayyubid and Mamluk dynasties, whose coins can be found in the Islamic coins section. Ayyubid coins featured the names and titles of their rulers, while Mamluk coins displayed intricate designs, calligraphy, and epigraphic inscriptions. In more recent history, Egypt issued modern coins during its time as a British protectorate and later as an independent nation. The Egyptian pound (EGP) became the official currency, and coins in various denominations were minted. These coins bear inscriptions in Arabic, reflecting the nation's official language, while some may also include English or French inscriptions owing to Egypt's historical ties to colonial powers.

Kenyan coins

Following independence from British colonial rule in 1963, Kenya began minting its coins and introduced its own currency, the Kenyan shilling (KES). The initial series featured the image of the founding president, Jomo Kenyatta. Over the years, Kenyan coins have undergone changes in design, reflecting shifts in leadership and national identity and highlighting the nation's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Wildlife is a prominent theme, with depictions of iconic African animals such as lions, elephants, and giraffes. The coins also include inscriptions in English and Swahili, the country's official languages, and carry denominations ranging from one shilling to higher values.

Moroccan coins

The modern Moroccan monetary system was established during the French and Spanish colonial periods in the 20th century when Morocco was under colonial rule. The Moroccan dirham (MAD) became the official currency, and coins were minted with distinct designs. Prior to this, Morocco issued its own coins under various dynasties and rulers, including the Almoravid, Almohad, and Saadian dynasties, each featuring unique designs and inscriptions. Modern Moroccan dirham coins depict the reigning monarch on the obverse side, while the reverse side may showcase traditional Moroccan motifs, historical landmarks, or important symbols. These designs are often accompanied by inscriptions in Arabic, as well as Berber, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the country.

Nigerian coins

Prior to British colonial rule, various Nigerian regions and kingdoms issued their own forms of currency, including cowrie shells and metal objects used for trade. During the colonial period, Nigeria adopted the British pound as its official currency, and British colonial authorities minted coins for use in the region. After gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria introduced its own currency, the Nigerian naira (NGN), and began producing its coins, initially featuring the image of Queen Elizabeth II. Since then, Nigerian coins have undergone changes in design which celebrates the nation's rich cultural diversity and natural beauty. Wildlife is a common theme, with depictions of native animals like banded gourami fish. Cultural symbols, including Nigeria's Coat of Arms and the Central Bank of Nigeria's logo, may also appear on the coins. Inscriptions are typically in English, Nigeria's official language. Coins are available in various denominations, including kobo and naira, catering to everyday transactions.

South African coins

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the region that is now South Africa saw various coinage systems, including those issued by the British colonial authorities. In 1961, South Africa became a republic and began producing its own coins. One of the most iconic South African coins is the Krugerrand, introduced in 1967. This gold bullion coin features the image of Paul Kruger, a former president of the South African Republic, on one side and a springbok antelope on the other. The Krugerrand played a pivotal role in making gold investments accessible to a broader market. Modern South African coins often feature wildlife, such as the famous Big Five animals like lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, leopards, and buffaloes. Inscriptions are typically in both English and Afrikaans, reflecting South Africa's linguistic diversity.