Brief Gabonese History
Only two autocratic presidents have ruled Gabon since independence from France in 1960. The current president of Gabon, El Hadj Omar BONGO Ondimba - one of the longest-serving heads of state in the world - has dominated the country's political scene for almost four decades. President BONGO introduced a nominal multiparty system and a new constitution in the early 1990s. However, allegations of electoral fraud during local elections in 2002-03 and the presidential elections in 2005 have exposed the weaknesses of formal political structures in Gabon. Gabon's political opposition remains weak, divided, and financially dependent on the current regime. Despite political conditions, a small population, abundant natural resources, and considerable foreign support have helped make Gabon one of the more prosperous and stable African countries.

Gabonese Gold Coins
As Gabon only became independent in 1960, this was the first occasion when it was able to issue gold coins in its own right. President Mba guaranteed he would be immortalised by issuing an gold independence proof coin set in 1960. We have yet to acquire one of these.
The next issue of gold coins was in 1969 under the wonderfully named President Bongo, who we think should have come from Congo.

Descriptions
1969 5,000 Francs
Obverse
The obverse features the President El Hadj Omar Bongo Ondimba, and the inscription:-
REPUBLIQUE GABONNAISE
1969
ALBERT BERNARD BONGO

Reverse
The reverse shows a three masks, apparently a reliquary figure of Bakota.
The legend reads:-
FRANCS 5000 FRANCS

Technical Specifications

Denomination	Diameter	Weight	Fineness	Gold Content
5,000 Francs	33.0	17.5000	.9000	.5084

Notes on Table
Diameter = Diameter in millimetres.
Weight = Gross weight in grams.
Fineness = purity of gold alloy.
Gold Content = Actual gold content in troy ounces.

Prices & Availability
Please telephone for current prices and availability.
The $ prices are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

Date	Denomination	Description	Grade	Mintage	Availability	Price £	Price $
1969	5,000 Francs	Reliquary Figure of Bakota - Three Masks	Proof, almost FDC	4,000	Yes	£250	$475

Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10 per order
USA Insured Shipping $20 per order

Gabonese Silver and Base Metal Coins
For silver and base metal coins of Gabon, please look at our original Chard Coins website.