The COIN ZOO
Obverse
ROOSTER
Obverse
Reverse
;)
;)
Country: Madagascar
Area: Africa
Animal Class: Birds
Approx. Size: 25.5mm
Area: Africa
Animal Class: Birds
The Gallic Rooster appeared one year only (1943) on the French colony of Madagascar's 50-centime and 1-franc coins. The reverse features the Cross of Lorraine, originally the symbol of Joan of Arc, and adopted by the Free French Forces during WWII.
Approx. Size: 25.5mm
Country
Madagascar
Area: Africa
Coins: 3
The main island of Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It is said to be home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species, 80% of which are unique to Madagascar (including the lemur family). People from south-east Asia, Africa, Arabia, and India began populating the island about 2,000 years ago. Through the Middle Ages (c. 300 to 1500 CE), various chiefdoms around the island were strengthened by trade with the island's Indian Ocean neighbours. By the 1790s the Merina ethnic group controlled the majority of the island, and in 1817 the Merina ruler established a treaty with the British Governor of Mauritius to abolish slavery. Britain went on to provide finanical and military aid, and remained a strong influence until Madagascar became a French protectorate in 1885. A decade later France established absolute control with military force. During World War II the island was strategically important, and was occupied by Britain in 1942 to prevent Japan from moving in. The following year it was returned to the French, and in 1947 a bloody revolt against French rule broke out among the eastern tribes. The revolt was suppressed and reforms were made after which Madagascar moved peacefully toward independence. In 1958, the Malagasy Republic was established as an autonomous state within the French Community, and full independence followed in 1960. In 1975, the name was changed to the Republic of Madagascar. Because of the island's unique mix of flora and fauna, some ecologists refer to it as the eighth continent.
Area: Africa
Coins: 3
The main island of Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. It is said to be home to 5% of the world's plant and animal species, 80% of which are unique to Madagascar (including the lemur family). People from south-east Asia, Africa, Arabia, and India began populating the island about 2,000 years ago. Through the Middle Ages (c. 300 to 1500 CE), various chiefdoms around the island were strengthened by trade with the island's Indian Ocean neighbours. By the 1790s the Merina ethnic group controlled the majority of the island, and in 1817 the Merina ruler established a treaty with the British Governor of Mauritius to abolish slavery. Britain went on to provide finanical and military aid, and remained a strong influence until Madagascar became a French protectorate in 1885. A decade later France established absolute control with military force. During World War II the island was strategically important, and was occupied by Britain in 1942 to prevent Japan from moving in. The following year it was returned to the French, and in 1947 a bloody revolt against French rule broke out among the eastern tribes. The revolt was suppressed and reforms were made after which Madagascar moved peacefully toward independence. In 1958, the Malagasy Republic was established as an autonomous state within the French Community, and full independence followed in 1960. In 1975, the name was changed to the Republic of Madagascar. Because of the island's unique mix of flora and fauna, some ecologists refer to it as the eighth continent.