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50 Centimes Pattern
| Issuer | Martinique |
|---|---|
| Year | 1897 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Central field features the denomination 'BON POUR 50 CENT.' in two lines, with the numeral '1' below, all enclosed within a wreath composed of laurel and olive branches tied at the base with a ribbon bow. The engraver's signature 'A. BORREL' appears at the foot of the wreath. The surrounding legend 'CONTRE-VALEUR DÉPOSÉE AU TRÉSOR' curves around the upper and lateral periphery, with a finely beaded border encircling the entire design. |
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| Additional information |
Martinique never developed a sustained independent coinage tradition — this 1897 pattern was struck in Paris as part of a broader French colonial monetary rationalization effort that ultimately went nowhere for the island. The essai designation means it was evaluated but rejected, and regular coinage for Martinique continued to rely on metropolitan French issues and whatever circulated unofficially through trade. Very few surviving examples exist outside institutional collections.