2017-04-10 Mon

Algeria was under the colonial control of France for 100 years and the country experienced strict policing and political espionage. After the end of World War II, France faced continual military conflicts and started finding it difficult to maintain control over the African colony. A referendum was held in France in January 1961 where the French supported Algerian Independence. On 3rd July 1962, Algerians gained independence.

The economic, ecological, and agricultural infrastructure of Algeria faced many problems after independence due to which they joined the F.A.O. in 1963.

A four-year plan was made in 1969 to tackle the country’s food security needs and an agrarian revolution was undertaken which was not very successful. Another 4-year plan was made from 1974-1977; and two sets of five-year plans (1980-1985, 1985-1989) for Agricultural development were also made.

The 1970-1973 5 Centimes of Algeria is the first of two Algerian quadrennial plan 5 centimes coins struck for the F.A.O. series at the Kremnica Mint in Slovak. Variants of coins with dull lustre, metal impurities, striated planchets and softness of strike can be found. These coins have weak lettering due to die repairs.

The obverse features The Arabic numeral 5 in the centre and Arabic text, which translates to People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria; 5 Centimes.

The Reverse features the dual date 1970 1973 representing Algerian government’s quadrennial plan, a wheel composed of a cog, an ear of wheat, and an olive branch.