France 1 Franc 1920-1927

History

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

World War I and the aftermath brought substantial changes to the coinage. In 1920, 1 and 2-centime coins were discontinued and production of silver coinage ceased, with aluminum-bronze 50-centime, 1-franc, and 2-franc coins introduced. Until 1929, these coins were issued by local merchants' associations, bearing the phrase bon pour on it (meaning: "good for").

Altho issued by the Paris mint, technically this type is not a coin but a token issued by the national Chamber of Commerce, not the government. This enabled the politicians to postpone acknowledging the obvious, that the inflation of World War One had reduced the value of the franc to one-fifth of its former level and there was no going back. Finally, president Poincaré officially devalued the franc and ordered the issue of new coin types.

Engraver: Joseph-François Domard

Obverse	Deity (god, goddess etc.) Mercury Symbol, amulet, talisman Caduceus Depicts sitting left Mercury, with caduceus in his hand, a year below exergue surrounded by the designer's name. Mercury is a major Roman god. He is the patron god of financial gain, commerce, communication, travelers, luck, trickery and thieves. He is often depicted holding the caduceus in his left hand. The caduceus is a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. In Greek tradition, Mercury was known as Hermes. COMMERCE INDUSTRIE DOMARD 1923 INV.
Reverse	enomination within a circle. Mintmark of the Paris Mint (Cornucopia) below value. Abbreviations of metals BR. AL. stand for 'Bronze" and "Aluminium", the two metals which form the alloy the coin is made of. CHAMBRES·DE·COMMERCE·DE·FRANCE BON POUR 1 FRANC BR. AL.
Edge	Reeded (milled)