Catalog
| Issuer | New Caledonia |
|---|---|
| Year | 1979 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
| Value | 2 Francs (2 XPF) |
| Currency | CFP Franc (1945-date) |
| Composition | Gold (.920) |
| Weight | 30.8 g |
| Diameter | 27 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | Lucien Georges Bazor |
| In circulation to | 30 November 2022 |
| Reference(s) | KM#P5b |
| Obverse description | Liberty sitting on throne, facing left holding lit torch in left hand. Assorted fruit in a cornucopia in bend of right arm. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE ESSAI G.B.BAZOR 1979 |
| Reverse description | Kagu bird within sprigs below value. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 2 FRANCS NOUVELLE CALEDONIE |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Mintage |
1979 - Proof - 200 |
| Numisquare ID | 1648907450 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Issued in 1979, this 2 Francs Piedfort gold coin from New Caledonia situates itself within the era of the French Fifth Republic, with Valéry Giscard d'Estaing serving as President of France. As an overseas territory, New Caledonia utilized the CFP franc, pegged to the French franc. This piedfort, a specialized collector's issue rather than circulating currency, underscores a period where numismatic artistry and precious metal issues were produced for discerning markets, reflecting the territory's enduring connection to metropolitan France and its economic stability, despite the low nominal denomination.
Artistry: The coin's design, typical of the Monnaie de Paris, features the iconic Gallic Rooster on the obverse, facing left, symbolizing the French Republic, accompanied by the legend "REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE". The reverse showcases elements specific to New Caledonia, depicting a sailing vessel, likely a traditional ship, with the inscription "NOUVELLE CALEDONIE", the denomination "2 FRANCS", and the year "1979". The stylistic school is characteristic of modern French numismatic art, emphasizing clear lines and symbolic imagery to convey both national and territorial identity.
Technical/Grading: As a piedfort, this substantial gold issue (30.8 gg, 27 mm) boasts exceptional strike quality. High-points for the rooster include the comb, wattle, and intricate tail feathers, while the sailing ship's masts, rigging, and waves should exhibit full detail. The thicker flan inherent to piedforts allows for deeper relief and sharper definition than standard issues. These coins were almost certainly struck as proofs, displaying deeply mirrored fields and frosted devices, indicative of meticulous production and superior preservation potential, making sharp details paramount for top grades.