French coins from the 1950s until the introduction of the euro

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After World War 2, France reintroduced the old coin types that were current before that war. In the 1950s, some new coins were introduced.

From Wikipedia:

Following the war, rapid inflation caused denominations below 1 franc to be withdrawn from circulation while 10 francs in copper nickel were introduced, followed by reduced size 10-franc coins in aluminum-bronze in 1950, along with 20 and 50-franc coins of the same composition. In 1954, copper-nickel 100 francs were introduced.

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Marianne on the obverse of a 10 francs coin of 1950.

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A cockerel on the reverse of a 10 francs coin of 1950.

A charming and typically French design.

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The 20 francs followed the example, design-wise, of the 10 francs coin.

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The 50 francs coin also had similar designs.

All these three coins were made of aluminium-bronze.

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Finally, the 100 francs coin, with a different design of Marianne on the obverse.

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The reverse of the 100 francs coin featured olives and oat sprigs.

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After World War 2, France suffered high inflation.

In 1960 the currency was redenominated, so that 100 old francs became 1 new franc.


In 1958, Raymond Joly had become chief engraver of the Paris Mint.

His distinctive style was apparent on the 1 centime and 5 centimes coins introduced in 1960.


Here you see the unusual cursive font that he chose for the obverse of the steel 1 centime coin.

The design depicted an ear of wheat. The legend reads: republique française - in lower case letters.

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The reverse of the coin simply gives its denomination and the year.

The Paris Mint mark is seen at the left.

The owl at the right was Joly's chosen engraver symbol.

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This stainless steel 5 centimes coin was also first issued in 1960.

It is in similar style to the 1 centime coin.

The obverse design is identical.

The reverse, seen above, is similar.

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A 2 centimes 'essai' (trial coin), dated 1961, was minted in similar style.

"Essais" were produced mainly to be sold to collectors and to enhance the income of the mint.

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Aluminium-bronze 10, 20 and 50 centimes coins were issued in 1962.

The common obverse showed Marianne wearing a Phrygian cap of liberty.

The obverse design was the work of French sculptor Henri-Albert Lagriffoul.

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The reverse designs of the 10 and 20 centimes coins were the work of Adrien Dieudonné.

They had similar designs, showing an olive sprig and an ear of barley.

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The reverse of the 20 centimes coin.

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The similar 50 centimes coin was also first issued in 1962.

It was issued in 1963 and 1964 but then discontinued.