Catalog
1 Franc Essai
| Issuer | Monnaie de Paris |
|---|---|
| Year | 1948 |
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| Reference(s) | KM#E1, Lec#4 |
| Obverse description | Left-facing draped bust of Marianne wearing a winged helmet, her hair arranged in stylized waves. The bust is rendered in high relief in the neoclassical tradition, with fine detail on the drapery and facial features. A coastal or harbor scene appears in the lower background of the field, suggestive of trade and empire. The encircling legend reads REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE UNION FRANCAISE, and the engraver's signature L.BAZOR along with the date 1948 and the word ESSAI appear in the lower exergue area. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Central design features a frontal-facing gazelle or antelope standing amid stylized tropical foliage and grasses, rendered in bold relief characteristic of French colonial coinage of the period. The denomination 1 F appears prominently above the central motif within a decorative border of dots. The legend AFRIQUE OCCIDENTALE FRANCAISE curves around the lower periphery, identifying the issuing territory. The overall composition conveys the natural fauna and flora of West Africa in an Art Deco-influenced style. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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