New Caledonia Coins 20 Francs 1977 Zebu
Obverse: Bust of Marianne, which is a national emblem of the French Republic, who symbolizes the “Triumph of the Republic”, the initials of the Bank issuing the coins, initials "I.E.O.M" (meaning “Institut d’emission d’Outre-Mer”) and the year of issue of this coin.
Lettering: REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE I·E·O·M 1977 R. JOLY
Engraver: Raymond Joly.
Reverse: Three Zebu heads above value.
Lettering: NOUVELLE-CALEDONIE 20 f.
Engraver: Raymond Joly.
Composition: Nickel.
Weight: 10 g.
Diameter: 28.5 mm.
Mint: France - Paris (A).
Zebu
A zebu sometimes known as indicine cattle, humped cattle or Brahman, is a species or sub-species of domestic cattle originating in South Asia. Zebu are characterised by a fatty hump on their shoulders, a large dewlap and sometimes drooping ears. They are well adapted to withstanding high temperatures, and are farmed throughout the tropical countries, both as pure zebu and as hybrids with taurine cattle, the other main type of domestic cattle. Zebu are used as draught oxen, as dairy cattle and as beef cattle, as well as for byproducts such as hides and dung for fuel and manure. In 1999, researchers at Texas A&M University successfully cloned a zebu.