5 Centimes

Historical Context: The 1922 5 Centimes from the Commune of Toulouse is a product of France's post-World War I economic turmoil. Widespread inflation and a severe shortage of official small change compelled local authorities, including Toulouse, to issue emergency coinage, "monnaie de nécessité." This aluminium piece reflects decentralized efforts to sustain local commerce amidst national economic disarray, standing as a tangible testament to challenging monetary conditions prevalent in the early 1920s.

Artistry: The artistic execution of the 1922 Toulouse 5 Centimes embodies the utilitarian aesthetic typical of emergency coinage. Specific engravers are often unrecorded; designs prioritize clarity and immediate recognition. Motifs for Toulouse commonly feature the city's coat of arms, displaying the Occitan cross, or allegorical representations of local commerce. The straightforward design ensures legibility of the denomination and issuer, reflecting functional demands over elaborate artistic flourishes for these stop-gap solutions.

Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium (0.9 grams, 20 millimeters), this 5 Centimes coin presents specific grading considerations. High-points for wear typically include raised elements of any central device, such as the Occitan cross, and the lettering. Due to aluminium's soft nature and often-hastened emergency production, strikes can range from adequate to weak, with central details frequently soft. Planchet quality may vary. Aluminium is highly susceptible to environmental damage like scratches, dents, and pitting, impacting preservation and grade.