Lot 42032 in the Upcoming August Global Showcase Auction delivers the chance at a rare 1969 Crown from Biafra graded MS-61 by NGC. Issued by the short-lived Republic of Biafra, this piece is among the most elusive world crowns issued in the 20th century. We have not offered an example of this type in five years, with our last offering in lot 40036 of our January 2019 New York International Show being a NGC AU-58 example. The type was likely produced to commemorate the second anniversary of Biafra’s declaration of Independence in 1967.
Biafra was the home of a significant portion of the Igbo ethnic group that faced pogroms and mass killings. In response Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, a military officer, established an independent nation with himself as president. The Nigerian military attempted to retake Biafra by force, and a bloody Civil War ensued. Ultimately Biafra was reabsorbed into Nigeria, though Igbo nationalism remains today, with ethnic tension often flaring.
Given the brevity of Biafra’s existence, coins of all types are rare and desirable, with the Crown being the most popular. The obverse features a prominent bust of Odumegwu Ojukwu, and the reverse a coconut tree. We expect many excited bids for this lovely specimen.
To view our upcoming auction schedule and future offerings, please visit StacksBowers.com where you may register and participate in this and other forthcoming sales.
We are always seeking coins, medals, and paper money for our future auctions, and are currently accepting consignments for our January 2025 NYINC, as well as for our Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auctions. If you would like to learn more about consigning, whether a singular item or an entire collection, please contact one of our consignment directors today at 800-458-4646 or Consign@StacksBowers.com.
