French Polynesia 5 Francs 1965

History

Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com

Description

French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic sometimes unofficially referred to as an overseas country. It is composed of 118 geographically dispersed islands and atolls stretching over an expanse of more than 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) in the South Pacific Ocean.

On the obverse of later coins the IEOM is split either side above the exergue. The Institut d'émission d'outre-mer (IEOM) issues the CFP Franc, the currency of the French overseas collectivities French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna.

Engraver: Lucien Georges Bazor

Obverse	Symbol, amulet, talisman Libertas (Liberty, Marianne), Cornucopia, Torch Seated Marianne with torch and cornucopia right, surrounded by the country name ('French Republic") above, date below. Engraver's name lower right. Mintmarks are from both sides of date. 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. Mintmark of the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris in Pessac): Cornucopia (horn of plenty) Mint master's mark: Owl (Raymond Joly, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint 1958–1974) REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE G.B.BAZOR 1965
Reverse	Navy (ship, submarine etc.) Catamaran Tree, flower, plant etc. Palm Palm trees on left, sea with sailboat in middle, mountains in distance, dividing value. Boat with outrigger in the foreground, plus assorted fruit in container. Inscription in French "French Polynesia" in the centre. POLYNESIE 5 FRANÇAISE F.
Edge	Plain