Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 100 Francs 1990, KM# 982, France, Charlemagne
  • 100 Francs 1990, KM# 982, France, Charlemagne
Description

Charlemagne or Charles the Great (742/747/748–814), numbered Charles I, was the King of the Franks from 768, King of the Lombards from 774 and Emperor of the Romans from 800. He united much of Europe during the early Middle Ages. He was the first recognised emperor in western Europe since the fall of the Western Roman Empire three centuries earlier. The expanded Frankish state which Charlemagne founded was called the Carolingian Empire.

Charlemagne has been called the "Father of Europe" (Pater Europae), as he united most of Western Europe for the first time since the Roman Empire. His rule spurred the Carolingian Renaissance, a period of energetic cultural and intellectual activity within the Western Church. All Holy Roman Emperors considered their kingdoms to be descendants of Charlemagne's empire, up to the last Emperor Francis II and the French and German monarchies.

Engraver: Carola Tietz

Obverse

Stylized Charlemagne's head facing, surrounded by the king's name and dates.

CHARLE MAGNE
C. TIETZ
·742 814·

Reverse

Date and denomination divided by the signum menus (cross-signature "KAROLVS" of Charlemagne, circa 782), laurel spray below, circle surrounds. The national motto of France (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) above, country name below.

Signum manus (sometimes also known as Chrismon) refers to the medieval practice, current from the Merovingian period until the 14th century in the Frankish Empire and its successors, of signing a document or charter with a special type of monogram or royal cypher.

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

Privy mark of the Mint's Chief Engraver: Dolphin - Emile Rousseau (1975-1993)

LIBERTÉ · ÉGALITÉ · FRATERNITÉ
100 FRANCS
KAROLVS
1990
·RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE·

Edge

100 Francs

KM# 982 Gadoury# 905
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.900
Weight 15 g
Diameter 31 mm
Thickness 2.3 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

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