I have three French coins that are in coin alignment instead of medallic alignment. They are as follows: 1965 1/2 Franc KM931.1 30 cents 1966 5 Centimes KM933 $2.00 1966 1 Centime KM928 ?? All of these are UNC coins, hopefully the photos will come through OK. I got the prices from the latest Krause World Coins Catalog. It mentioned that French coins are usually in Medallic alignment and that if they are in coin alignment they can trade for a premium over the listed price. I am not very familiar with French coinage myself. Does anyone have any idea if these coins would go for much different than the listed price? Thanks, Michael
Michael,French coins are usually in coinage alignment,not medal alignment.Only since the change over to the Euro was the coinage alignment was permanently abandoned.Pre-Euro coins in medal alignment are mint errors.They do turn up from time to time.I haven't got any myself,as I only collect British Commonwealth coins. Aidan.
Aidan, Interesting, maybe I read the book wrong. Does that count for Vichy French & Belgian coins also? I have scattered dates from the 20's-60s that are in both coinage and medal alignment.
Michael, For Belgian coins the same is true: they are normally issued in coin alignment, but some coins turn up in medal alignment and demand a premium. The Royal Mint of Belgium itself has done this on purpose for the 50 francs European Soccer Championship of 2000. The circulation issue was in coin alignment; the coins issued in a special set together with the Netherlands 5 gulden were minted in medal alignment.
Michael,all Vichy French coins are in coinage alignment.I've never yet seen one that is in medal alignment. Aidan.
