1 franc - CCA - Perpignan [66]

Historical Context: This 1 franc piece, issued by the Commune of Perpignan, Pyrénées-Orientales, is a classic example of French *monnaie de nécessité*. Its "CCA" designation and aluminium composition strongly indicate its origin during or immediately following World War I (1914-1918). These local emergency tokens were vital for maintaining daily commerce when official government coinage became scarce due to wartime hoarding and resource diversion. This local issuance highlights decentralized efforts to stabilize regional economies amidst national crisis.

Artistry: The engraver for such emergency issues is typically unnamed, reflecting a utilitarian production ethos. Stylistically, *bons de monnaie* prioritized clarity and functionality. Designs likely featured Perpignan's armorial bearings, local industry or agricultural symbols, or a simple allegory of commerce. The aesthetic, influenced by early 20th-century styles, might incorporate Art Nouveau elements or a more austere, functionalist approach driven by wartime exigencies.

Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium, a relatively soft metal, this 1 franc coin requires specific technical assessment. High-points, typically the central device of a municipal coat of arms or highest relief elements, are often the first to show wear. Strike quality can vary, sometimes exhibiting minor weakness in peripheral legends or finer details due to rapid emergency production. Collectors should observe the preservation of fields, sharpness of lettering, and extent of contact marks, common given the metal's softness and intended heavy circulation.