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5 francs Mendès France Epreuve de contrôle
| Issuer | Monnaie de Paris |
|---|---|
| Year | 1992 |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 193 g |
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| Obverse description | The left portion of the obverse features a bold relief design of broad, interlaced abstract lines, symbolizing two works by Pierre Mendès France: 'Gouverner, c'est choisir' and 'Choisir'. The face value '5F' appears in relief within this decorative field. To the right, the legend 'RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' is inscribed in three recessed lines alongside the date '1992', employing an intaglio technique that contrasts with the raised elements on the left. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse presents a three-quarter portrait of the statesman Pierre Mendès France occupying the left three-quarters of the coin's surface, rendered in bold relief. The remaining right quarter bears an intaglio-engraved inscription reading 'Pierre Mendès France' on two lines, accompanied by the engraver's initials 'ER' for Émile Rousseau. The contrast between the raised portrait and the recessed lettering is a hallmark of the épreuve de contrôle format, intended for quality-control verification purposes. |
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| Additional information |
Épreuves de contrôle are internal production checks struck by the Monnaie de Paris to verify die alignment, depth, and overall mechanical readiness before an official issue enters full production. Lead is used precisely because its softness reveals surface imperfections and striking deficiencies that harder alloys might mask. These pieces were never intended to leave the mint — that many did is a function of the French state's historically relaxed attitude toward disposing of industrial trial material.
The GEM references 156.1 and 156.2 indicate two distinct die states or striking variants logged within the same control sequence.