Algeria 20 Francs 1949

History

Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)

Description

An essai is a type of trial strike, typically a non-circulating, non-legal tender coin with a slightly higher mintage than the usual pattern coin.

A piedfort is an unusually thick coin, often exactly twice the normal weight and thickness of other coins of the same diameter and pattern. Piedforts are not normally circulated, and are only struck for presentation purposes by mint officials (such as patterns), or for collectors, dignitaries, and other VIPs.

Engraver: Pierre Turin

Obverse	Symbol, amulet, talisman Libertas (Liberty, Marianne) Laureate head of Marianne right, surrounded by the country name (French Republic). 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. Her profile stands out on the official government logo of the country, is engraved on French euro coins and appears on French postage stamps; it also was featured on the former franc currency. REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE P. TURIN
Reverse	Tree, flower, plant etc. Wheat Value above date, flanked by wheat ears, country below and the inscription "Essai" (a coin prototype) below.. Mintmark of the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris in Pessac): Cornucopia (horn of plenty) Mint master's mark: Wing (Lucien Georges Bazor, Chief Engraver at the Paris Mint from 1930 to 1958) 20 FRANCS 1949 ALGERIE ESSAI
Edge	Reeded (milled)