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1 Franc - Louis II Essai
| Issuer | Monaco |
|---|---|
| Year | 1943 |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 1.3 g |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The crowned and mantled arms of Monaco occupy the central field, depicting a shield charged with the Grimaldi lozengy pattern in or and gules, supported by two monks bearing swords, with an elaborate mantle and crown above. The numeral 1 appears in the field to each side of the arms, and the denomination FRANC is inscribed below in large letters. The word ESSAI (trial) appears in small characters beneath the denomination, confirming the pattern status of this strike. A beaded border frames the entire composition. |
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| Reverse lettering | 1 FRANC 1 DEO JUVANTE ESSAI (Translation: 1 Franc 1 With God's Help TRIAL) |
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| Additional information |
Louis II was in an impossible position by 1943 — Monaco nominally under Italian occupation until September, then German, with normal commerce effectively suspended. The franc essais of this period were pattern strikes produced for approval rather than circulation, and most were retained by the administration or distributed among officials. Few entered trade channels at all, which explains why survivors tend to appear in substantially better condition than the issued coinage of the same years.