5 Centimes

Historical Context: The 1922 5 Centimes coin from the Commune of La Rochelle represents a significant chapter in French numismatic history, specifically the era of "monnaies de nécessité" or necessity coinage. Following the economic upheaval of World War I, France experienced a severe shortage of official small change, particularly in base metals. To facilitate daily commerce, numerous municipalities, chambers of commerce, and even private enterprises issued their own low-denomination tokens. La Rochelle, a vital port city, was no exception, issuing this aluminium piece to ensure the smooth functioning of local transactions, thereby underscoring the decentralized response to a national monetary crisis.

Artistry: While the specific engraver for this municipal issue is not commonly documented, the design adheres to the utilitarian aesthetic typical of many necessity tokens of the period. The artistry focuses on clear legibility of the denomination and issuer, often incorporating simple, direct typography. The obverse typically features the name of the issuing authority, "COMMUNE DE LA ROCHELLE," alongside the denomination "5 CENTIMES" and the year "1922." The reverse might display a local emblem or simply reiterate the denomination, reflecting a functional design philosophy rather than elaborate artistic flourishes, characteristic of early 20th-century French civic issues.

Technical/Grading: Struck in aluminium, a lightweight and relatively soft metal (0.9 gg, 19 mmmm), these tokens are prone to showing wear quickly. Key high-points for condition assessment include the raised lettering of the city name and denomination, as well as any central design elements. Due to the nature of their production and material, strikes can often be somewhat weak, leading to minor softness in the details, especially on the periphery. Aluminium is also susceptible to surface marks and minor planchet imperfections. Collectors should look for pieces with minimal bag marks and clear, well-defined legends for optimal grading.