Catalog
| Issuer | Madagascar |
|---|---|
| Year | 1953 |
| Type | Coin pattern |
| Value | 5 Francs |
| Currency | CFA franc (1945-1963) |
| Composition | Aluminium |
| Weight | |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | Lucien Georges Bazor |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#PE3 |
| Obverse description | Female personification of the French Republic, wearing winged phrygian cap with French tricolor left. Cargo ships in background. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE ESSAI L.BAZOR G.B. 1953 (Translation: French Republic) |
| Reverse description | Value above three conjoined Zebu heads, flanked by sprays, value within horns. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 5 FRANCS MADAGASCAR |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date) |
| Mintage |
1953 - - 104 |
| Numisquare ID | 4807708710 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1953 5 Francs Essai Piedfort from Madagascar originates during the French Union era under the Fourth Republic. Madagascar, then a French overseas territory, was amidst post-WWII reconstruction and emerging nationalist sentiments. This essai, or pattern coin, indicates a potential monetary system update or design consideration. Its piedfort nature, a thicker, heavier strike, designates it as a specialized presentation or test piece, not for general circulation.
Artistry: The stylistic characteristics of this essai align with skilled designers of the Monnaie de Paris, typical of mid-20th century French coinage. While a specific engraver might not be documented, the design adheres to the realist or neoclassical school. One expects an allegorical representation of Madagascar, possibly incorporating local symbols like a zebu or indigenous flora, integrated with the French denominational structure, balancing local identity with authority.
Technical/Grading: As an aluminium piedfort, this coin demands a powerful strike. Piedforts are struck on thicker planchets with immense pressure, typically yielding exceptional sharpness and a full, often proof-like, strike. High-points, such as intricate hair details or animal musculature, should exhibit complete definition. Legends and denticles must be crisp and well-formed. The robust strike inherent to a piedfort ensures superior detail retention; any strike softness is a significant grading flaw.