Obverse. Photo © Sixbid.com
  • 50 Francs 1949, Algeria
  • 50 Francs 1949, Algeria
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.

This pattern without the word Essai is struck on a 11.110 g copper planchet.

Engraver: Pierre Turin

Obverse

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

Value above date, flanked by wheat ears, country 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)

50
FRANCS
1949
ALGERIE
ESSAI

Edge

50 Francs

Essai
KM#
Characteristics
Type Trial strike
Material Copper
Weight 11.11 g
Diameter 30 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
Paris Mint (A)

Related coins

Cupronickel, 8 g, ⌀ 27 mm
Piedfort Essai

Cupronickel