In 1941, the Vichy regime was scrambling to replace copper-alloy coinage stripped from circulation by German occupation authorities, who were systematically extracting non-ferrous metals for the war effort. Several iron and zinc compositions were trialed before the final production types were settled. This oversized module variant never advanced beyond pattern stage — the diameter was ultimately reduced before any general issue reached the public.
In 1941, the Vichy regime was scrambling to replace copper-alloy coinage stripped from circulation by German occupation authorities, who were systematically extracting non-ferrous metals for the war effort. Several iron and zinc compositions were trialed before the final production types were settled. This oversized module variant never advanced beyond pattern stage — the diameter was ultimately reduced before any general issue reached the public.