Catalog
| Issuer | French Indochina |
|---|---|
| Year | 1885-1894 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Cent (0.01 ICFP) |
| Currency | Piastre (1880-1952) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 10 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Jean-Auguste Barre |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#1 |
| Obverse description | Seated Marianne facing left with fasces, mint letter in exergue |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE A A.B 1888 (Translation: French Republic A A.B 1888) |
| Reverse description | Lettering and denomination. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering |
INDO-CHINE FRANÇAISE 百 1 分 C 之 一 · POIDS 10 GR · (Translation: French Indochina One Cent One hundredth Weight 10 grams) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
(A) Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Mintage |
1885 A - (fr) Lec#37 - 3 673 190 1885 A - Proof - 1886 A - (fr) Lec#38 - 1 882 541 1887 A - (fr) Lec#39 - 2 362 388 1888 A - (fr) Lec#40 - 2 564 148 1889 A - (fr) Lec#41 - 1 573 364 1889 A - Proof - 100 1892 A - (fr) Lec#43 - 2 647 680 1893 A - (fr) Lec#44 - 1 852 320 1894 A - (fr) Lec#45 - 465 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 3837626800 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The French Indochina 1 Cent coin (1885-1894) marks a pivotal era of French colonial consolidation in Southeast Asia. Bearing "REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE," it reflects the Third French Republic's direct authority. As KM#1, this foundational series established a unified monetary system across the protectorates and colonies forming French Indochina in 1887. It signified French imperial economic and political dominance in the region during the late 19th century.
Artistry: The obverse of this 1 Cent coin features the iconic allegorical figure of Liberty, a hallmark of French Republican coinage. This Neoclassical design, attributed to Jean-Auguste Barre, depicts a seated female figure wearing a Phrygian cap, holding a fasces and a rudder, symbolizing republican ideals, law, and maritime commerce. The reverse displays "UN CENT" within a laurel wreath, surrounded by "INDO-CHINE FRANÇAISE" and the date, executed with balanced typography typical of colonial issues.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, weighing 10 grams with a 31-millimeter diameter, the 1885-1894 1 Cent coin utilizes a robust planchet. Key high-points for assessing strike quality and wear on the obverse include Liberty's face, drapery folds, and the fasces rods. On the reverse, the intricate details of the laurel wreath and its ribbon knot are crucial indicators. Well-struck examples exhibit sharp definition; weaker strikes show softness, especially on highest relief elements.