Overview

Issued in 1953 during the period of French territorial administration, this 5 Francs lightweight aluminium coin highlights Madagascar’s cultural and agricultural symbol — the native Zebu cattle — alongside the allegorical portrait of the French Republic.

Key Features & Details:

• Country: Madagascar (French Administration)
• Denomination: 5 Francs
• Year: 1953
• Material: Aluminium
• Condition: Circulated / Pre-owned – A genuinely circulated coin that has seen use. The central Zebu head with its prominent horns, the coffee and rice plant accents, the “5 FRANCS” and “MADAGASCAR” lettering and the Marianne portrait all remain clear and legible, with natural surface wear and handling marks consistent with circulation.
• Obverse (Front): Profile bust of Marianne facing left wearing a winged cap, framed by ships in the background, inscribed “REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE” with issue year “1953” at the bottom.
• Reverse (Back): Head of a Zebu bull flanked by local agricultural flora (coffee sprig and rice stalk), crowned with denomination “5 FRANCS” between the horns and country name “MADAGASCAR” along the lower rim.

Collector Value:

A staple mid-20th-century African issue, highly popular among collectors of French overseas territories and African numismatics.