Belgian Congo
was a free state founded by King Leopold II
that was annexed to Belgium as a colony in 1908. Between 1884 and 1908 it was
the Congo Free State privately controlled by Leopold II. Belgian Congo gained
independence and became the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on June 30,
1960.

Philatelic Profile:

Belgian Congo released a large set of fifteen stamps on June
30, 1928 depicting a portrait of Sir Henry Morton Stanley in different
single-colors and denominations. The set (Scott #115 to #129) is sought after
and catalogs for around $20 Mint and around half that for Used.
A set of seven
stamps depicting the four kings (Leopold I, Leopold II, Albert I, and Leopold
III) was issued on August 15, 1935 and that set (Scott #159 to #165) catalogs
for around $10 MNH and around half that for Used. The most sought after set
among the later issues is a large set of twenty six stamps issued between 1947
and 1950 in the “Carved Figures and Masks of Baluba Tribe” theme. The set
(Scott #231 to #256) catalogs for around $45MNH and around $5 for Used. The
designs show “Ndoha” figure of tribal king, “Tshimanyi” idol, “Buangakokoma” –
kneeling beggar statue, “Mbuta” – sacred double-cup carved with two faces (man
and woman), “Ngadimuashi” – female mask, “Buadi-Muadi” – square mask, “Mbowa” –
buffalo horned executioner’s mask.

Numismatic Profile:
The first coins of Belgian Congo was a 5 Centimes
Copper-Nickel coin issued in 1909 with a mintage of 1.8M. The issue (KM# 12)
shows a crowned “JL” with a hole in the middle in Obverse and star, date, and
value in Reverse.
It catalogs in the $200 range for BU and can be had for as
low as $5 for F. Copper-Nickel varieties with denominations up to a Franc
formed the major coin issues of Belgian Congo. Higher denominations using distinct
designs include a hexagon shaped brass 2 Franc coin issued in 1943 with a
mintage of 25M. the issue (KM# 25) catalogs for around $75 in BU. The design
shows the denomination with stars flanking in obverse and an African Elephant
with date in Reverse. Other higher denominations of prominence include a 50
Francs silver coin (KM# 27) issued in 1944 with a mintage of 1M. That coin
catalogs in the $200 range in UNC. It has a similar design and contains 0.23914
oz actual silver weight.

Belgian Congo was administered together with Ruanda-Urundi
between 1925 and 1960. As such coins of both these areas were made jointly
during the period between 1952 and 1960. Ruanda-Urundi Aluminum and Brass
Centimes of the period are pretty common and catalog in the few dollars range.
There are silver Essais (E1 through E6) of the 5 Franc denomination for a few
different years and they catalog much higher.

Collectible Memorabilia:
Colonial era postcards, Christian missionary maps, and
authentic Congo fetish figures, sculptures, etc form the major collectible
items of the area.
Last Updated: 12/2015.
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