20 Francs

Emissor Réunion (1848-date)
Ano 1955-1964
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 20 Francs
Moeda Franc (1816-1965)
Composição Aluminium bronze (92% Copper, 6% Aluminium, 2% Nickel)
Peso 4 g
Diâmetro 23.5 mm
Espessura 1.3 mm
Formato Round
Técnica Milled
Orientação Coin alignment ↑↓
Gravador(es) Lucien Georges Bazor
Em circulação até
Referência(s) KM#11, Schön#8
Descrição do anverso Marianne head left, wearing a winged phrygian cap. 4 ships in the background. Date below.
Escrita do anverso Latin
Legenda do anverso REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE L.BAZOR GB 1964
Descrição do reverso Crowned shield (coat of arms of Saint-Denis de la Réunion) divides value, ribbon below with `PRAETER OMNES ANGULUS RIDET` motto.
Escrita do reverso Latin
Legenda do reverso REUNION 20 FRS PRÆTER OMNES ANGULUS RIDET
Bordo Plain
Casa da moeda Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and
Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date)
Tiragem 1955 - - 1 250 000
1960 - - 100 000
1961 - - 300 000
1962 - - 190 000
1964 - - 750 000
ID Numisquare 1784667730
Informações adicionais

Historical Context: This 20 Francs coin was issued for Réunion between 1955 and 1964, a period covering the late French Fourth and early Fifth Republics. As an overseas department since 1946, Réunion was integrated into the French monetary system. The coin's issuance reflects France's enduring economic and political presence in the Indian Ocean, providing essential local currency and symbolizing metropolitan French authority and stability during global decolonization.

Artistry: The coin's design features the iconic Gallic Rooster (Coq Gaulois) on the obverse, a potent national emblem of France signifying vigilance and pride. This aligns with the functional yet symbolic artistic style prevalent in French republican coinage of the mid-20th century. The reverse displays the denomination "20 FRANCS" and the year within a stylized wreath, often incorporating laurel or oak, with "RÉUNION" clearly inscribed, emphasizing its specific geographic context.

Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium bronze (92% Copper, 6% Aluminium, 2% Nickel), this 4-gram, 23.5 mm coin possesses a distinctive golden hue. For grading, key high-points include the rooster's comb, wattle, and intricate tail feathers. On the reverse, the raised elements of the wreath and the crispness of the "20 FRANCS" inscription are crucial indicators of strike quality and wear. Well-struck examples exhibit sharp details; circulation wear typically first affects the rooster's plumage and wreath's higher points.

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