Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 10 Francs 1945-1947, KM# 908, France
  • 10 Francs 1945-1947, KM# 908, France
Description

The Provisional Government of the French Republic was an interim government of Free France between 1944 and 1946 following the liberation of continental France after Operations Overlord and Dragoon, and lasted until the establishment of the French Fourth Republic. Its establishment marked the official restoration and re-establishment of a provisional French Republic, assuring continuity with the defunct French Third Republic.

Engraver: Pierre Turin

Obverse

Laureate head (Marianne) right.

Marianne is a national symbol of the French Republic, an allegory of liberty and reason, and a portrayal of the Goddess of Liberty. It is a significant republican symbol, opposed to monarchy, and an icon of freedom and democracy against all forms of dictatorship. Her profile stands out on the official government logo of the country, is engraved on French euro coins and appears on French postage stamps; it also was featured on the former franc currency.

REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
P.TURIN

Reverse

Denomination above date, inscription below, grain columns flank. Date between a cornucopia (the logo of the Paris Mint) on the left and a wing (privy mark of Lucien Georges Bazor, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint from 1930 to 1958) on the right.

Beaumont-le-Roger Mint mark (B), if any, below ER of FRATERNITE.

Liberté, égalité, fraternité (French for "liberty, equality, fraternity") is the national motto of France and is an example of a tripartite motto. 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.

10
FRANCS
1947
LIBERTE
EGALITE
FRATERNITE
B

Edge

10 Francs

Provisional Government, Large Head
KM# 908
Characteristics
Material Cupronickel
Weight 7 g
Diameter 26 mm
Thickness 1.6 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# 908.1, KM# 908.2
Mints
Beaumont-le-Roger Mint (B)
Paris Mint (A)

Related coins

2nd Empire

Gold, 3.2258 g, ⌀ 19 mm
3rd Republic

Silver, 10 g, ⌀ 28 mm
4th Republic

Cupronickel, 7 g, ⌀ 26 mm