Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 5 Centimes 1871-1898, KM# 821, France
  • 5 Centimes 1871-1898, KM# 821, France
Description

The French Third Republic was the system of government adopted in France from 1870 when the Second French Empire collapsed during the Franco-Prussian War until 1940 when France's defeat by Nazi Germany in World War II led to the formation of the Vichy government in France.

Engraver: Eugène-André Oudiné

Obverse

Depicts a laureate head of Ceres to the left, wearing a pearl necklace, a double bun and a composite crown of wheat, flowers, olive, oak and acorns, knotted with a ribbon descending on the neck and passing over the forehead where the word CONCOR is inscribed; under the slice of the neck engraver's name. Everything within a beaded circle. Date below, between stars, country name above.

In ancient Roman religion, Ceres was a goddess of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and motherly relationships. She was originally the central deity in Rome's so-called plebeian or Aventine Triad, then was paired with her daughter Proserpina in what Romans described as "the Greek rites of Ceres". Her seven-day April festival of Cerealia included the popular Ludi Ceriales (Ceres' games). She was also honoured in the May lustratio of the fields at the Ambarvalia festival, at harvest-time, and during Roman marriages and funeral rites.

RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
CONCOR
OUDINÉ
★ 1898 ★

Reverse

Denomination with the mintmark below, within an olive wreath, surrounded by the national motto of France (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). Although it finds its origins in the French Revolution, it was then only one motto among others and was not institutionalized until the Third Republic at the end of the 19th century. Debates concerning the compatibility and order of the three terms began at the same time as the Revolution.

The mintmarks of the Paris Mint (A and Cornucopia) and a privy mark of Chief Engraver below the value.

Privy marks of Chief Engravers:
• Anchor - Désiré-Albert Barre (1855-1878)
• Fasces - Jean Lagrange (1880-1896)
• Torch - Henri Auguste Patey (1896-1930)

LIBERTÉ ★ ÉGALITÉ ★ FRATERNITÉ ★
5
CENTIMES
A

Edge

5 Centimes

3rd Republic
KM# 821 Gadoury# 157
Characteristics
Material Bronze
Weight 5 g
Diameter 25 mm
Thickness 1 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# 821.1, KM# 821.2
Mints
Bordeaux Mint (K)
Paris Mint (A)

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