Catalog
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| Issuer | France |
|---|---|
| Year | 1896 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
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| Reverse description | The reverse presents an allegorical scene designed by Jean-Baptiste-Daniel Dupuis, depicting the seated figure of the French Republic accompanied by two standing female personifications representing Liberty and Fraternity. The central group is rendered in high relief with fine classical drapery. The legend LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE arcs around the upper periphery, while the denomination 10 CENTIMES and the date 1896 appear in the lower exergual area. The overall composition reflects the refined Art Nouveau aesthetic characteristic of Dupuis's medallic work of this period. |
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| Reverse lettering | LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE 10 CENTIMES 1896 |
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| Additional information |
The 1896 Dupuis centimes project pieces occupy an odd corner of French numismatic history — they are not patterns in the conventional sense but competitive submission strikes, produced as Dupuis lobbied to secure the commission that would eventually become the definitive Third Republic small-denomination coinage. The thick flan (flan épais) variants were struck to demonstrate sculptural depth and medal-quality relief, a deliberate argument in metal aimed at the Ministry of Finance selection committee.
Dupuis won. The production coinage entered circulation beginning in 1897.