2 Francs 1948 AEF

The 1948 2 Francs coin from French Equatorial Africa was struck in aluminum, a wartime expedient that persisted into peacetime due to lingering metal shortages across the French empire.

This made it lighter than its predecessors, weighing just over two grams, and easier to produce in bulk for colonial circulation. The obverse features the head of Marianne, the French Republic's emblem, while the reverse displays the denomination encircled by the letters "AEF". Designs were standardized across French territories, reflecting administrative efficiency more than local pride.

As for mintage, precise numbers are elusive; colonial records from the period were often incomplete. I've handled a few of these over the years, and they're unremarkable in wear, though their edges can show unusual pitting from the alloy.

Aluminum coins like this one rarely fetch a premium these days.