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100 Francs / 15 Euro The Tour of Belem
| Issuer | Monnaie de Paris |
|---|---|
| Year | 1997 |
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| Currency | New franc (1960-2001) |
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| Obverse description | The obverse presents a bold, modernist typographic design against a deeply mirrored proof field. The large denomination numeral '100' dominates the center, with '15 euro' inscribed beneath in a stylized typeface incorporating the euro symbol. Below the denomination, the word 'FRANCS' appears in capital letters. Twelve five-pointed stars, referencing the European Union, are arranged in a circular pattern around the periphery of the field. The legend 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE' arcs along the upper and lower rim, identifying the issuing state. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse script | Latin |
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| Additional information |
This piece belongs to a French-Portuguese joint issue commemorating the Tower of Belém, minted as Portugal prepared to enter the eurozone alongside France. The dual denomination — francs and escudos on one side, a euro value on the other — reflects the transitional monetary politics of the late 1990s, when participating nations were required to demonstrate convergence criteria before the euro's 1999 launch. France issued its side of the pairing through Monnaie de Paris; the Portuguese Casa da Moeda struck a corresponding piece.
The Tower itself was completed around 1519, built to guard the mouth of the Tagus during Portugal's peak as a maritime power.