Saint Michael's Mount reflects in its bay.

Saint Michael's Mount (Le Mont-Saint-Michel) is an island commune in Normandy, France. The island has held strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it draws its name.

Its unique position — on an island just 600 metres from land — made it accessible at low tide to the many pilgrims to its abbey, but defensible as an incoming tide stranded, drove off, or drowned would-be assailants. The Mont remained unconquered during the Hundred Years' War; a small garrison fended off a full attack by the English in 1433. The reverse benefits of its natural defence were not lost on Louis XI, who turned the Mont into a prison. Thereafter the abbey began to be used more regularly as a jail during the Ancien Régime.

One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Monogram of Atelier de Gravure des Monnaies et Médailles (group of designers of the Paris Mint): Rosette (letters "agmm") in the water at right flank of the mount

Denomination above parallel lines, date with the mint mark at left and privy mark at right, surrounded by the national motto of France (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).

Mint mark: Cornucopia, horn of plenty (Paris Mint - Paris until 1972 or Pessac from 1973)

Privy marks of the Mint's Chief Engravers:
• Dolphin - Emile Rousseau (1975-1993)
• Bee - Pierre Rodier (1994-2000)
• Horseshoe - Gérard Buquoi (2001)

4 or 5 milled segments