2017-02-14 Tue

A rare 1969 silver crown from Biafra in Africa was sold for $8,812.50 at the Stephen Album Rare Coins’ Auction that was held from 18th to 22nd January.

The region fought for freedom from Nigeria between 30th May 1967 and January 1970. It observed two years of independence, due to which these coins are extremely rare and have never appeared in an auction before.

The obverse features a portrait of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu - chief of staff during Biafra’s independence. The reverse depicts a coconut palm tree along with the inscription INDEPENDENCE AND LIBERTY. The coin design is different from other coins that were issued during the same time and also features unclear letters N.D.R.

Graded About Uncirculated 58, the coin had an estimate of $5,000 to $7,000. A similar coin sold was sold in January 2014 for $13,000, almost twice the $7,000 estimated value.