🇨🇬 1956 Belgian Congo 50th Anniversary of BCK Railway – Bronze Medal – PCGS SP62

This listing features a massive and historically significant bronze medal struck to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Bas-Congo au Katanga (BCK) Railway. This specimen commemorates half a century of the railway that served as the industrial backbone of the Congo. Professionally graded by PCGS as SP62, this medal highlights the technological leap from the era of steam to the implementation of modern electric locomotives.

🔍 Medal Details

• Year: 1956

• Country: Belgian Congo (Katanga)

• Type: Commemorative Medal (86mm)

• Composition: Bronze

• Weight: ~225 g

• Diameter: 86 mm

• Certification: PCGS

• Grade: SP62

• Catalog Reference: Vancraenbroeck-49

🏛️ Official Design Descriptions

• Obverse: Features a modern BCK electric locomotive moving left through a lush tropical landscape of palm trees. Script: French. Lettering: 1906-1956 BCK CINQUANTIEME ANNIVERSAIRE. Engraver: Georges André Brunet.

• Reverse: Depicts the historical origins of the line with a steam locomotive crossing a bridge over a river in a jungle setting. Script: French. Lettering: COMPAGNIE DU CHEMIN DE FER DU BAS CONGO AU KATANGA 1906.

💡 Key Highlights

• Industrial Evolution: The medal masterfully contrasts the past and future of African rail, showcasing the original 1906 steam engines on the reverse and the high-tech 1956 electric engines on the obverse.

• Massive Artistry: At 86mm in diameter, this is an exceptionally large medallic work, allowing for incredible depth and detail in the high-relief jungle and machinery scenes.

• PCGS Specimen Grade: Graded SP62, this medal was struck as a Specimen (SP) rather than for general distribution, resulting in superior detail and a satin-like finish.

• Renowned Engraver: Designed by Georges André Brunet and struck by the famous Fisch workshop in Brussels, known for producing some of the finest Belgian and Colonial medallic art.

• Historical Context: Struck during the final years of the Belgian administration, it celebrates the BCK's role in the development of the Katanga mining region, one of the most resource-rich areas in the world.

📦 Shipping & Packaging

• 📬 Ships to all U.S. addresses, including PR, Guam, APO, FPO, and DPO

• 🛡️ Securely packaged and cushioned for safe transit

• 🌍 International shipping available via eBay Global Shipping Program

• 📦 Combined shipping offered — message before paying if buying multiple items

✨ Follow The Nexus Coins & Treasures

Click “Follow,” “Bookmark,” or “Save This Seller” to discover more African colonial history, railway medals, and high-grade certified numismatic treasures added regularly.

🧭 About The Nexus Coins & Treasures

Welcome to The Nexus Coins & Treasures — your source for carefully curated world and U.S. coins. We specialize in quality raw and certified coins, ensuring accurate descriptions and safe shipping for every collector.