Luxembourg's coinage after World War 2 but before the euro

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Map of Benelux.

Map of Luxembourg.

With an area of 2586 square kilometres (998 sq miles), Luxembourg is one of the smallest sovereign states in Europe. In 2019 Luxembourg had a population of 614 000, which makes it one of the least-populous countries in Europe, but by far the one with the highest population growth rate. Foreigners account for nearly half of Luxembourg's population. As a representative democracy with a constitutional monarch, it is headed by Grand Duke Henri and is the world's only remaining sovereign grand duchy. Luxembourg is a developed country, with an advanced economy and one of the world's highest GDP (PPP) per capita. The City of Luxembourg with its old quarters and fortifications was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 due to the exceptional preservation of the vast fortifications and the old city.

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Luxembourg's flag.

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Luxembourg's Lesser Coat of Arms.

Luxembourg's Greater Coat of Arms.

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Nazi Germany invaded and annexed Luxembourg in 1940. For the duration of the war, Luxembourg used German coinage.

In 1946 Luxembourg began issuing her own coinage again.

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A 25 centimes coin was issued in bronze in 1946 and 1947. It featured the coat of arms on the obverse.

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A copper-nickel 1 franc coin was issued in bronze in 1946 and 1947. It was 23 mm in diameter.

The reverse design featured an iron puddler. This design had also been used before World War 2.

From Wikipedia:

An iron puddler was an occupation in iron manufacturing. The process of puddling was the occupation's chief responsibility. Puddling was an improved process to convert pig iron into wrought iron with the use of a reverberatory furnace.

Working as a two-man crew, a puddler and helper could produce about 3300 lb (1500 kg) of iron in a 12-hour shift. The strenuous labor, heat and fumes caused puddlers to have a short life expectancy, with most dying in their 30s. Puddling was never automated.

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In 1949 a 5 francs coin was issued - a one-year type only.

The obverse featured a portrait of Grand Duchess Charlotte.

The reverse featured roses.

Note the word 'FRANG' for 'FRANC', which is in the Luxembourgish dialect - a variation of German.

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From 1952 a smaller version of the regular 1 franc coin was issued. It was now 20 mm in diameter instead of 23 mm.

The design was altered slightly and no longer had a straight line across the exergue.

The way in which the numerals that show the year are fitted into the exergue is interesting.

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From 1954 onwards the 25 centimes was issued in aluminium instead of bronze.

The coin was issued infrequently (not every year). 1972 was the year of its final issue.

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In 1962 a 5 francs coin was issued that featured a portrait of the Grand Duchess.

Again, this was a one-year type.

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The Grand Duchess abdicated in 1964, and she was succeeded by her son, Grand Duke Jean.

In 1965 the first coin of his reign,a 1 franc coin, was issued, featuring his portrait on the obverse.

This coin type was issued through to 1984.

The simple reverse design featured a wreath.

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A 5 francs coin was issued in 1971 through to 1981, though not in every year during that period.

The reverse showed oak leaves.

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A 10 francs coin was issued in 1971 through to 1980, though not in every year during that period.

The same obverse portrait was used of the Grand Duke.

The reverse design featured stylised oak leaves and acorns.

Notice the stroke across each figure 7.

Engraver Julien Lefèvre created many of his works with his wife Nina-Victorine Kestler. These works came out under the common name "Julien et Nina Lefèvre", hence the initials N.J.L.

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A similar 20 francs coin was issued from 1980 to 1983.

The coin was made of aluminium-nickel-bronze.

The reverse featured two oak branches.

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In 1986 and 1987 only, a new 1 franc type was issued with the initials IML on the reverse, which stand for 'Luxembourg Monetary Institute'.