Monaco Rainier III 20 Centimes

History

20 Centimes 1962-1995, KM# 143, Monaco, Rainier III

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

Rainier III (Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand Grimaldi; 1923–2005) ruled the Principality of Monaco for almost 56 years, making him one of the longest ruling monarchs in European history. Though internationally known for his marriage to the American actress Grace Kelly, he was also responsible for reforms to Monaco's constitution and for expanding the principality's economy beyond its traditional casino gambling base. Gambling accounts for only approximately three percent of the nation's annual revenue today; when Rainier ascended the throne in 1949, it accounted for more than 95 percent.

Engraver: Georges Simon

Obverse	Crown, jewelry Princely Crown of Monaco Person (king, queen, tsar etc.) Rainier III Portrait of Rainier III facing the right with a royal crown on the collar surrounded by the inscription "Rainier III, Prince of Monaco". Date below. RAINIER III PRINCE DE MONACO SIMON 1974
Reverse	Coat of arms Monaco Military Sword People (man, woman, child etc.) Monk Shield of arms of Grimaldi supported by a monk soldier with crown above the shield. Mint and privy marks below the value. The shield is "blazoned" (described in the technical language of heraldry), fusily (or lozengy) argent and gules. The lozenge in heraldry is a diamond-shaped charge (an object that can be placed on the field of the shield), usually somewhat narrower than it is tall. The Grimaldi motto, Deo Juvante, is Latin for "With God's help". Mintmark: Cornucopia (Paris Mint) Engraver's general privy mark: • owl (Raymond Joly, 1957-1974) • dolphin (Emile Rousseau, 1974-1994) • bee (Pierre Rodier, 1994-2000) DEO 20 CENTIMES JUVANTE
Edge	Plain