Rwanda: FAO-themed 2 francs prototype of 1969

[<k>]

Rwanda, 2 francs, 1970.

In 1970 Rwanda issued a 2 francs coin.

It was scalloped and made of aluminium-magnesium.

This was Rwanda's only ever 2 francs coin.

It was also Rwanda's only ever scalloped coin.


The reverse featured a FAO-themed design.

F.A.O. stands for Food and Agricultural Organization.

The Food and Agricultural Organization is a United Nations body.

The design features a man pouring coffee beans into a basket.

The text reads: AUGMENTONS LA PRODUCTION.

That translates as LET'S INCREASE PRODUCTION.

BNR stands for Banque Nationale du Rwanda.


The coin was produced by the Royal Mint (UK).

The reverse was designed by Christopher Ironside.

[<k>]

Plaster model of the 1969 prototype.

Image © Royal Mint (UK).

The Royal Mint produced a prototype of the reverse design.

It is dated 1969 and is round, not scalloped.


I am very grateful to the staff of the Royal Mint Museum.

They have kindly provided me with images of the prototype.

I have edited the images and reduced their size slightly.

[<k>]

A rubber of the 1969 prototype.

Image © Royal Mint (UK).

[<k>]

Electrotype of the 1969 prototype.

Image © Royal Mint (UK).

[<k>]

Which do you prefer - the round version or the scalloped version?

[<k>]

RELATED TOPICS

Coinage of Rwanda

New denominations that countries introduced for circulating commemoratives only

Rwanda: adopted and unadopted designs of 1974

Scalloped coins

[Figleaf]

Which do you prefer - the round version or the scalloped version?

I can see the practical value of the scallops in a country where I imagine vending machines will be scarce, but in numismatic terms, I am not bothered by any shape. I could have done without that silly BNR banner, though.

Good that you have unearthed those forerunners!

Peter