Coins 1, 5 francs | ||
Banknotes 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 francs Central bank Banque Nationale du Katanga | ||
The franc was the currency of Katanga between 1960 and 1963 during the Congolese province's brief independence. It replaced the Congolese franc at par and was consequently initially equal to the Belgian franc. This established an exchange rate of 50 francs = 1 U.S. dollar. Just before Katanga was re-annexed by Congo, the exchange rate had fallen to 195 francs = 1 U.S. dollar. The currency was replaced at par by the Congolese franc.
Coins
Bronze coins were issued in 1961 in denominations of 1 and 5 francs. A non-circulating gold 5 francs coin was also issued for collectors. Only one set containing 1 francs and 5 francs were ever made, and they remain readily available to collectors at nominal cost. Their design shows a copper cross, which was locally used for money in precolonial times.