5 Centimes

Historical Context: The 1923 5 Centimes from the Commune of Périgueux directly resulted from post-World War I economic instability in France. The Third Republic faced a severe shortage of official small change, compelling municipalities to issue "monnaies de nécessité." This local issue from Périgueux, a key Dordogne city, highlights communities' critical need to facilitate daily commerce, reflecting a national response to monetary scarcity during a challenging reconstruction period.

Artistry: The artistic execution of the Périgueux 5 Centimes prioritizes clarity and local identity, typical of regional necessity tokens. Engraver details are often unrecorded for these utilitarian pieces. The stylistic approach is largely functionalist, sometimes reflecting Art Deco simplicity. The design commonly features the city's armorial bearings, often depicting its iconic three towers. The reverse clearly states the denomination and issuer, a direct representation of its purpose as a local medium of exchange.

Technical/Grading: Struck in lightweight aluminium, the 1923 Périgueux 5 Centimes (El Mon.#10.1) presents distinct technical characteristics. Due to aluminium's softness and often hurried production, strikes can range from adequate to weak. High-points, such as the uppermost details of the towers on the coat of arms or raised lettering, frequently exhibit flatness. Planchet quality can vary, with minor laminations or surface imperfections common. Collectors should examine legend sharpness and field integrity, as aluminium is susceptible to corrosion.