2015-12-30 Wed

The West African country of Benin issued coins showcasing the Cannabis Sativa which is commonly known as marijuana, weed, pot, and grass among many other names. Coins of denominations 100 and 1000 francs were issued in 2010 and coins of 100-franc denominations bearing a different design was issued in 2011.

Coins of both, 100 and 1000-franc denominations issued in 2010 weigh 27 grams each and measure 38.61 mm in diameter. The 100-franc coins are silver or gold plated colourized Cupro-Nickel with a reeded edge. The 1000-franc coins are made of .999 silver with a reeded edge and bear a design similar to that of the 100-franc coin except for the denomination which reads ‘1000’. The obverse of the coins bear the Coat of Arms with the denomination printed below it. The inscription above reads ‘Republique Du Benin’. The reverse of the coins depict a green Cannabis Sativa leaf along with the year of issue and the inscriptions, ‘Famesuses Plantes Du Monde’ and ‘Cannabis Sativa’.

The 100-franc coin issued in 2011 is shaped like a Cannabis Sativa leaf and is made of silver-plated Cupro-Nickel with the same weight and diameter as its predecessor. The obverse bears the coat of arms along with the denomination and the inscription ‘Republique Du Benin’ while the reverse is coloured green and scented to resemble a Cannabis leaf.

All coins are of Proof quality with each having a mintage of only 2500 pieces.