2019-01-25 Fri

The Belgian Congo was a Belgian colony in Central Africa from 1908 until independence in 1960. The former colony adopted its present-day name, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 1964. Colonial rule in the Congo began in the late 19th century.

Currency denominated in centimes and francs was first introduced in 1887 for use in the Congo Free State (1885-1908). After the Free State's annexation by Belgium, the currency continued in the Belgian Congo and the francs were equal in value to the Belgian franc.

The depicted beside is a 5 Francs banknote of 1947 issued by the Bank of Belgian Congo. The obverse features an Allegorical maiden with cherub and beehive (Industry) at left. The reverse depicts an elephant and hippopotamus at centre.

Image Courtesy: picclick.com