Some of my favorite coin designs are from the countries that were French colonies. The ones made out of aluminum seem especially striking if they are in great shape, but there are some nice non-aluminum designs as well. Here are some of my favorites. Feel free to add your own.
I like that they used similar designs on one side for many of the territories. Makes for a nice looking set when put all together
I was scrolling down the pictures, wondering, "Where is Reunion?", then got to the end and saw it there. I agree with you that these 20th century French Colonial coin designs are superb, and I think it's high time they got their due. Aluminum as a coinage material is really not bad at all, either. 20th century aluminum coins have been scoffed at as cheap junk for too long. I think they'll be more appreciated in time, especially the nice BU examples. That's a great type set you have there. Are there other types?
PS- I like the Vietnam 50-xu with the dragons. Never had one of those. I've had the 20-su. Always liked those Laotian ones with the center hole and the elephants, too. And the Moroccans, too. So much fun stuff here.
A couple from my collection. I agree with @Hiddendragon , these are some of the best coinage designs of the 20th century (to my eye).
What's funny is that coinage for France in the 20th century is kind of blah, but they went all out for their colonies. But yes, high grade aluminum coins are beautiful. These are scans and they don't always capture the luster. I am fortunate enough to have some really nice ones. There are a few more types. I was trying to pull out related coins as I was going through my albums but I know I missed some. I can think of Cambodia offhand. Tunisia was another French colony but didn't have the same types of coins as many of these others.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to sell some coins collected by my sister-in-law's grandfather for her, and there were about 7 or 8 of these 20 su and 50 xu coins, mostly in near uncirculated condition. That's where I got mine.
Here is the French Indochinese piastre de commerce, which was meant to compete with all the other trade dollars circulating in the colony at the time. Dated 1887, Paris mint (A). Establissements Francais de L'Oceanie in the South Pacific, aluminum 1 franc 1949.
We can't leave out the French New Hebrides, wherever they are: France New Hebrides 100 Francs 1966 Silver, 37mm, 25gm
The French designed (and usually minted) coins, banknotes and stamps have always been my favorites. Here's a couple more: Tunisia Morocco
I don't consider these as "beautiful" as the thread title suggests, but in the interest of covering the French colonies, here are a few you don't see too often. They're also hard to find in good condition. Many look like they were in the bottom of an outhouse.