France

From the double lorrain to the franc

France changed its monetary system fundamentally around 1800. Under the old monarchy, accounts were kept in livres, sols and deniers, and coins such as the copper double were in everyday use. After the Revolution the decimal franc was introduced, and under Napoleon Bonaparte the silver franc was given the standard that lasted through the 19th century. This small category spans both systems.

What is in this category?

• Louis XIII: a copper double lorrain of 1636.
• Napoleon: a 1/4 franc dated AN 12 (1803) from the Paris mint, in mint state with an attractive patina.
• Louis-Philippe: a silver 5 francs of 1831 from the Rouen mint (B).
• The 20th century: a 100 francs banknote of 1939.
• A medal die from the Association Nationale de Topographie, a tool used to strike prize medals.

Revolutionary dates and mint letters

Coins from the years after the Revolution are dated according to the Republican calendar, so AN 12 corresponds to 1803–1804. A letter on French coins shows the mint, for example A for Paris and B for Rouen. Collectors use these letters, together with references such as Gadoury and KM, to identify the exact variety.

What affects quality?

For French silver, original surfaces and natural toning are valued, and a coin in mint state is far scarcer than a worn one. Copper coins such as the double lorrain were everyday money and are almost always worn, so they are judged on how well the date, portrait and legend can be read. Banknotes are judged on folds, stains and pinholes. The medal die is a different kind of object: it shows how medals were made, and its condition is judged by the sharpness of the engraving. For more European coins, see Europe.