Great post Cucumbor. I was wondering which french coins do you collect and which ones are your favorites?
Hello Andy I'm not really collecting french coins at the moment, as my main focus is on ancient (roman actually). But I have several theme collections (2nds if you prefer) that I'm looking after from time to time : 1 - A set of every coin minted in "nouveau franc" (from 1960 to 2001) by type, almost complete now 2 - A set of forty coins, something like "forty coins tell you French History" witch is interesting as it is never finished, because I can always get a better example, or a new type, but then I have to choose which one is pulled out : sometimes difficult and frustrating. It can be copper, silver or gold, I don't mind as long as it is 25 to 30 mm diameter. The unity comes from that. For example ther is at the moment a 40 Frs or for Louis Philippe, a 2 francs 5th republic, a revolutionary sol aux balances, a 1/2 franc for Henri IV, and so on As to say which french coin I prefer, I would say 100 francs "Cochet" for modern (Le franc VI # F.450) for the movement of Marianne, and testons (Henri II, Henri III, Henri IV) for hammered coinage. Very subjective, and today's choice, could be different another day Cucumbor
Cucumbor,do you check the Paris Mint privy marks? I know that there are some scarce date & privy mark combinations that are just so easy to miss. Aidan.
Hello Sorry Aidan, I'm not sure I understand what privy mark means : my english is so weak...I sometimes think I "spit" english Thanks for enlightment Cucumbor
I just love the old french coins and even have quite a few moderns laying around the house as well. If I had to pick one nation that produced the finest in coinage I would pick France and if I may state I feel the best United States coins had a French influence. By the way how is your national soccer, football, team this year? Do you think that France can win another World Cup? http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/ For anyone else who is interested.
En général c'est le symbole du graveur (principal) de la monnaie. Comme l'abeille de Pierre Rodier, ou le "cœur" formé du S et du L de Serge Levet ... Christian
French coinage historically carry two different privy marks. Namely that of the Engraver General, and that of the Mint Director. Back in the 1600's when there were 31 different mints operating in France (not all of them at the same time), you had an amazing array of privy marks. For example Bordeaux Mint (mm`K') from 1648-54 saw Christophe Campas as Engraver General. His privy mark was a five pointed star. During that same period Jehan Lavaud was Mint Director. His privy mark was a head facing to the left. There has been many a worn french coin that i've been able to successfully attribute when the date and mint marks have been worn off completely, simply by referring to the privy marks. However, records are not perfect and there are still many blank spots concerning who was who behind some privy marks.
Hello Merci Chrisild, I just did not know the english words for "different monetaire". I have learned something more today. Thanks again Aidan, I don't check them, though it's an interesting focus. The book I mentionned above (Le Franc VI) is quite complete on the subject (well, as Ian says it's a difficult goal, I should say as complete as possible today). Also, when some privy mark is remarkable, there is a "red light" to let you know in this book. Cucumbor
Interesting, I did not know that. (Well, I "actively" collect modern coins only.) Makes modern mint mark and mint director mark systems terribly easy by comparison. Christian
I have a Angel / Value in Wreath 20 francs from 1848 as well as a Ceres / Cockerel (Rooster) Edge LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE from 1912 that i'd like to get expertized. I live in New york City.
