The perforated small-module design was introduced during the First World War as a practical response to metal shortages, with the hole reducing bronze content while allowing the coins to remain distinguishable by touch. Dupuis's original 5 centimes design dated to 1897, and the wartime adaptation of it into a lighter, holed format reflects emergency monetary policy rather than aesthetic revision.
This piece is an épreuve — a proof-quality trial strike — not a circulation issue, likely produced for archival or ministerial approval purposes. GEM 14.31 is a known trial reference; surviving examples are rarely encountered outside specialist French collections.
The perforated small-module design was introduced during the First World War as a practical response to metal shortages, with the hole reducing bronze content while allowing the coins to remain distinguishable by touch. Dupuis's original 5 centimes design dated to 1897, and the wartime adaptation of it into a lighter, holed format reflects emergency monetary policy rather than aesthetic revision.
This piece is an épreuve — a proof-quality trial strike — not a circulation issue, likely produced for archival or ministerial approval purposes. GEM 14.31 is a known trial reference; surviving examples are rarely encountered outside specialist French collections.