1 Franc - Charlotte Essai

Essai pieces from Luxembourg in this period were produced by the Monnaie de Paris, which held the contract for Luxembourg's coinage throughout the mid-twentieth century. The "essai" designation indicates a trial strike submitted for official approval rather than a coin struck for circulation — these were produced in small, controlled quantities and distributed primarily to collectors and monetary authorities.

The gilding metal composition distinguishes this trial from the cupro-nickel used in circulation strikes eventually adopted for the franc denomination.