Obverse. Paris Mint: without mintmark. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 2 Francs 1943-1944, KM# 904, France, Paris Mint: without mintmark
  • 2 Francs 1943-1944, KM# 904, France
  • 2 Francs 1943-1944, KM# 904, France, Beaumont-le-Roger Mint: with mintmark B
  • 2 Francs 1943-1944, KM# 904, France, Castelsarrasin Mint: with mintmark C
Description

Vichy France is the common name of the French State (État français) headed by Marshal Philippe Pétain during World War II. It represents the unoccupied "Free Zone" (zone libre) in the southern part of metropolitan France and French North Africa. The Vichy government was de facto client state of Nazi Germany. It vanished in late 1944 when the Allies occupied all of France.

Engraver: Lucien Georges Bazor

Obverse

Depicts a stylised double-bitted axe called francisque between 2 mirrored grain sprigs. It was an official emblem of Marshal Philippe Pétain and de facto coat of arms of the regime of Vichy France.

The francisca (or francesca) is a throwing axe used as a weapon during the Early Middle Ages by the Franks, among whom it was a characteristic national weapon at the time of the Merovingians from about 500 to 750 and is known to have been used during the reign of Charlemagne (768–814).

Engraver's initials on the top right. Mintmark if any on the top left.

S PACIS
LB
PETAIN
ETAT FRANÇAIS

Reverse

Denomination between mirrored oak branches. Official motto "Work, Family, Fatherland" above, date below.

Mintmark of the Paris Mint (left): Cornucopia
Engraver general's privy mark (right): wing (1931-57, Lucien Georges Bazor)

•TRAVAIL•FAMILLE•
•PATRIE•
2
•FRANCS•
1943

Edge

2 Francs

Vichy France
KM# 904 Gadoury# 536
Characteristics
Material Aluminium
Weight 2.2 g
Diameter 27 mm
Thickness 1.7 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Alt # KM# 904.1, KM# 904.2, KM# 904.3
Mints
Beaumont-le-Roger Mint (B)
Castelsarrasin Mint (C)
Paris Mint (A)

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