5 Centimes

Historical Context: The 1922 5 Centimes from the Department of Eure-et-Loir exemplifies France's widespread *monnaies de nécessité* phenomenon. Following the devastations of World War I, the national mint struggled to produce sufficient small change, leading to a severe currency shortage. Local authorities, including departments, municipalities, and chambers of commerce, were compelled to issue their own emergency tokens to facilitate daily commerce. Eure-et-Loir, situated in north-central France, like many regions, faced this economic exigency, resulting in this aluminium issue under the Third Republic, a period marked by significant economic instability and inflation.

Artistry: Artistically, this 5 Centimes coin reflects the utilitarian aesthetic common to most *monnaies de nécessité*. Designs were typically functional, prioritizing clarity over elaborate detail, often featuring simple inscriptions, denominations, and issuer identification. While specific engraver details for this particular Eure-et-Loir series (El Mon.#10.1) are not widely documented, the style aligns with the early 20th-century commercial die-sinking prevalent for emergency issues. These pieces were generally produced by local workshops, focusing on legibility and immediate recognition rather than complex allegorical imagery or prominent artistic signatures.

Technical/Grading: For grading, attention should focus on the inherent softness of aluminium, which is highly susceptible to wear and surface imperfections. High points prone to flattening and abrasion include the raised lettering on the legends (e.g., "EURE-ET-LOIR," "5 CENTIMES"), the date, and any central emblem or device. Finer details within any decorative elements or the outer rim are also susceptible to nicks and displacement. Due to the material, surface integrity—free from excessive bag marks, scratches, or environmental pitting—significantly impacts the grade. Original lustre, if preserved, is delicate and easily impaired.