The French franc took a nosedive from 1914 to 1918 and through 1926. The franc’s value was never raised back to its prewar status, like in the U.S. and Britain. Couldn't buy much with it during The Great War or after during reconstruction of the country. French Currency used by soldiers stationed in France during WW1 wasn't worth much. Cinquante (50) Centimes from 1916 was worth approx. 10 cents in 1918 USD. A Doughboy's visit to a brothel cost $2 American. 25 Centimes would probably buy a loaf of hard bread, a bottle of home brewed grappa and if lucky, enough left for a lump of cheese.
It's the kind of coin easy to collect if you're not looking for the rare and/or pristine ones. One can find them by the million at every flea market here in France Q
