Depicts a poinsettia surrounded by the country name in Malagasy language, date below.

The poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a commercially important plant species of the diverse spurge family. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. It derives its common English name from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who introduced the plant to the US in 1825.

The poinsettia is the national emblem of Madagascar.

Value within horns of zebu head above sprigs, and the inscription "Essai" (a coin prototype) below left.

A zebu (Bos primigenius indicus or Bos indicus or Bos taurus indicus), sometimes known as indicine cattle or humped cattle, is a species or subspecies 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 and riding animals, dairy cattle, and beef cattle, as well as for byproducts such as hides and dung for fuel and manure. Zebu, namely miniature zebu, are kept as companion animals.

Mintmark of the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris in Pessac): Cornucopia (horn of plenty)

The director of the Paris Mint mint master's marks: 1958–1974: Owl (Raymond Joly)