Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 20 Centimes 1878-1889, KM# 828, France
  • 20 Centimes 1878-1889, KM# 828, 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. Surrounded by the country name topped by a six-pointed star.

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
E.A.OUDINÉ.F.

Reverse

Denomination within oak wreath surrounded by the national motto of France (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).

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)

LIBERTÉ • ÉGALITÉ • FRATERNITÉ
20
CENT.
1889
A

Edge

20 Centimes

3rd Republic
KM# 828 Gadoury# 311
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.900
Weight 1 g
Diameter 16 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# 828.1, KM# 828.2
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

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