500 Francs - Usambara Railway - East African Railway (2008)
Features
| Denomination | 500 Francs |
| Catalog Number | KM# 52 |
| Weight (g) | 20 |
| Diameter (mm) | 38 |
| Shape: | Round |
| Composition: | Silver (.999) |
| Not Magnetic | |
| Metal Value (USD) | 53.2 |
| Currency Value (USD) | 0.34 |
| Orientation | Medal orientation ↑↑ |
| Commemorative | |
| Non Circulating | |
| Calendar | Gregorian |
Obverse
Lettering:
EAST AFRICAN RAILWAY
USAMBARABAHN 1893 - 1912
2008
Description:
This Rwanda 500 Francs silver coin, issued in 2008, commemorates the inauguration of the Usambara Railway, a landmark railway project that strengthened transportation and economic connections in German East Africa. The obverse features a powerful image of a 19th-century steam locomotive. Its cylindrical boiler, riveted metal plates, driving wheels, chimney stack and side components are depicted with high precision and a long line of carriages stretching into the distance with crisp architectural details visible in the bridge with its spans, supporting pillars, and roadway crossing the river. Billowing steam rises into the sky, strengthening the sense of movement. The railway tracks stretch toward the viewer, adding depth to the scene. Behind the train rises a dramatic mountain landscape with steep peaks, rocky slopes, palm trees, and tropical vegetation. surrounded by the inscriptions “EAST AFRICAN RAILWAY, ”around the upper rim and the railway name in German accompanied by the dates “USAMBARABAHN 1893 - 1912.” A beaded border encircles the image, enhancing the coin’s elegant presentation
EAST AFRICAN RAILWAY
USAMBARABAHN 1893 - 1912
2008
Description:
This Rwanda 500 Francs silver coin, issued in 2008, commemorates the inauguration of the Usambara Railway, a landmark railway project that strengthened transportation and economic connections in German East Africa. The obverse features a powerful image of a 19th-century steam locomotive. Its cylindrical boiler, riveted metal plates, driving wheels, chimney stack and side components are depicted with high precision and a long line of carriages stretching into the distance with crisp architectural details visible in the bridge with its spans, supporting pillars, and roadway crossing the river. Billowing steam rises into the sky, strengthening the sense of movement. The railway tracks stretch toward the viewer, adding depth to the scene. Behind the train rises a dramatic mountain landscape with steep peaks, rocky slopes, palm trees, and tropical vegetation. surrounded by the inscriptions “EAST AFRICAN RAILWAY, ”around the upper rim and the railway name in German accompanied by the dates “USAMBARABAHN 1893 - 1912.” A beaded border encircles the image, enhancing the coin’s elegant presentation
Reverse
Lettering:
BANKI NKURU Y'U RWANDA
REPUBLIKA Y'U RWANDA
UBUMWI - UMURIMO - GUKUNDA IGIHUGU
AMAFARANCA 500 MAGANA ATANU
Description:
The coat of arms of Rwanda used shows, the central tribal devices, a stem of sorghum, a branch of a coffee tree and a traditional basket are surmounted on a cogwheel with the sun with its rays above, while two typical Rwandan shields protects them, one on the right and one on the left. They are encircled by a square knot. The text reads "Republic of Rwanda – Unity, Work, Patriotism" in Kinyarwanda. The surrounding inscription reads "BANKI · NASIYONALI · YU · RWANDA" (to English: National Bank of Rwanda) while the denomination "AMAFARANCA 500 MAGANA ATANU" below.
BANKI NKURU Y'U RWANDA
REPUBLIKA Y'U RWANDA
UBUMWI - UMURIMO - GUKUNDA IGIHUGU
AMAFARANCA 500 MAGANA ATANU
Description:
The coat of arms of Rwanda used shows, the central tribal devices, a stem of sorghum, a branch of a coffee tree and a traditional basket are surmounted on a cogwheel with the sun with its rays above, while two typical Rwandan shields protects them, one on the right and one on the left. They are encircled by a square knot. The text reads "Republic of Rwanda – Unity, Work, Patriotism" in Kinyarwanda. The surrounding inscription reads "BANKI · NASIYONALI · YU · RWANDA" (to English: National Bank of Rwanda) while the denomination "AMAFARANCA 500 MAGANA ATANU" below.
Edge
Description:
Reeded
Reeded
| Year | Mintage | Comment | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Proof | Unknown |