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10 Francs Victor Hugo
| Issuer | Monnaie de Paris |
|---|---|
| Year | 1985 |
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| Currency | New franc (1960-2001) |
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| Obverse description | Central field features a richly detailed allegorical composition evoking scenes from Victor Hugo's literary works, including figures reminiscent of characters from Les Misérables and Notre-Dame de Paris, with a depiction of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris prominent in the upper right. The denomination '10 FRANCS' is inscribed at the top of the field. The legend 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE' curves along the left and right periphery respectively, with the date '1985' appearing in the lower exergue. |
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| Reverse description | A bold, finely modeled bust of Victor Hugo facing three-quarters to the right occupies the central field, rendered in high relief with expressive detail capturing the author's characteristic beard and aged features. A laurel branch is depicted to the lower right of the effigy. The legend 'VICTOR HUGO' arcs along the upper left periphery, while the commemorative dates '1885 - 1985' appear to the left of the portrait, marking the centenary of the writer's death. The engraver's signature 'C. LESOT' is inscribed at the lower exergue. |
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| Additional information |
This issue marks the centenary of Hugo's death in 1885, one of the largest state funerals France had staged since Napoleon — his body lay in state beneath the Arc de Triomphe before burial in the Panthéon. The Monnaie de Paris produced the coin in both silver and nickel versions simultaneously, the nickel intended for circulation and the silver exclusively for collectors, which explains the .999 fineness rather than a standard alloy.