5 Francs Essai Piedfort

Uitgever Madagascar
Jaar 1953
Type Coin pattern
Waarde 5 Francs
Valuta CFA franc (1945-1963)
Samenstelling Aluminium
Gewicht
Diameter
Dikte
Vorm Round
Techniek Milled
Oriëntatie
Graveur(s) Lucien Georges Bazor
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) KM#PE3
Beschrijving voorzijde Female personification of the French Republic, wearing winged phrygian cap with French tricolor left. Cargo ships in background.
Schrift voorzijde Latin
Opschrift voorzijde REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE ESSAI L.BAZOR G.B. 1953
(Translation: French Republic)
Beschrijving keerzijde Value above three conjoined Zebu heads, flanked by sprays, value within horns.
Schrift keerzijde Latin
Opschrift keerzijde 5 FRANCS MADAGASCAR
Rand
Muntplaats Monnaie de Paris, Paris (and
Pessac starting 1973), France (864-date)
Oplage 1953 - - 104
Numisquare-ID 4807708710
Aanvullende informatie

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.

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