CENTRAL AFRICA, Empire. Bokassa I, 1976-1979. Pattern 100 Francs 1978 (Nickel, 25 mm, 7 g, 6 h), Essai, Paris. EMPIRE CENTRAFRICAIN Three giant elands to left. Rev. BANQUE DES ETATS DE / L'AFRIQUE CENTRALE / ESSAI / 100 / FRANCS / 1978. KM E5. Rare. Mintage of only 1,900 pieces. In original bank foil of issue. Virtually as struck.



Jean-Bédel Bokassa was one of the most bizarre and ruthless dictators of the 20th century. In 1977, he crowned himself 'Emperor of Central Africa' in an outrageously lavish ceremony modeled after Napoleon’s coronation, complete with a golden throne and imperial carriage, while much of his country lived in extreme poverty. He became infamous not only for his brutal rule, but also for persistent allegations of cannibalism after human remains were reportedly discovered in the refrigerators of his palace.