Benin 1000 francs Crafting Inventor Johannes Gutenberg PR67 PCGS Ag coin 1999

The Benin 1000 Francs 1999 silver proof coin honors Johannes Gutenberg, the German inventor of the movable-type printing press, whose innovation revolutionized human history. The obverse shows a finely detailed portrait of Gutenberg with his characteristic beard and cap, alongside an early printing press — the very machine that enabled mass production of books. Around the edge appear the inscriptions “JOHANNES GUTENBERG,” the years of his life “1397–1468,” and the year of issue “1999.” This composition highlights both the man and his groundbreaking invention. The reverse depicts the coat of arms of Benin: two leopards support a shield divided into four parts — a castle, a radiant star, a palm tree, and a sailing ship — representing heritage, hope, agriculture, and maritime traditions. Beneath appears the motto “FRATERNITÉ – JUSTICE – TRAVAIL” together with the face value “1000 FRANCS CFA.” Struck in proof silver and graded PR67 by PCGS, this coin combines historical significance with artistic execution, making it a unique collectible dedicated to one of the greatest innovators in world history.

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