Republique Francaise 20 Centimes Coin, 1962 (Dieudonné Design)
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic) · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic, established in 864 AD. The design is by bronze sculptor Adrien Dieudonné.
Pattern: Marianne/wheat and olive branch series, Fourth/Fifth Republic transition style.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic)
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic, established in 864 AD. The design is by bronze sculptor Adrien Dieudonné.
Material
Aluminum-Bronze alloy (not silver). Composed of 92% Copper, 6% Aluminum, and 2% Nickel. It is often mistaken for silver or gold-plate due to its yellowish-silvery oxidation.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.5 mm; Thickness: 1.4 mm; Weight: 4.0 grams.
Description
A classic example of French mid-century numismatic design, this 20 Centimes piece features the clean, balanced engravings of Adrien Dieudonné. While appearing as a 'golden-silver' hue, its aluminum-bronze composition was chosen for durability. It reflects the post-WWII effort to modernize French currency under De Gaulle's administration.
Key Features
Large '20' numeral, specific 'Cornucopia' and 'Owl' privy marks, and the presence of both wheat and olive iconography.
Material & Composition
Aluminum-Bronze alloy (not silver). Composed of 92% Copper, 6% Aluminum, and 2% Nickel. It is often mistaken for silver or gold-plate due to its yellowish-silvery oxidation.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated satin finish. The reverse features the denomination '20 CENTIMES' flanked by an olive branch (representing peace) and an ear of wheat (representing fertility/agriculture). Includes the French motto 'LIBERTE · EGALITE · FRATERNITE'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia mint mark (Paris Mint) and 'Owl' mark (Raymond Joly, Chief Engraver 1958-1974). Includes the designer's name 'A.DIEUDONNE' along the left rim.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coin produced by mechanical press. Smooth edge (plain).
Functional Features
Legal tender in France from 1962 until the introduction of the Euro in 2002. Notched rim for tactile identification.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard numismatic flat disk format.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial engraving by Adrien Dieudonné; precise striking typical of the Paris Mint, showing clear detail in the grain of the wheat and the leaves of the olive branch.
Authentication Indicators
Weight and diameter match standard 1962 specifications; 'A. Dieudonne' signature is crisp; privy marks are correctly positioned flanking the date. Note: This is not a silver coin despite the metallic color profile.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, manufactured at the Paris Mint or Castelsarrasin facility using high-speed minting presses.
Era & Period
The French Fifth Republic (established 1958). Historical context: Post-war economic stabilization and the introduction of the 'Nouveau Franc'.
Age Estimate
Dated 1962. Part of the first full year of wide circulation for this specific denomination and design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'New Franc' era (Nouveau Franc), a period of French pride and economic recovery. The motto 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity' links the modern pocket change to the French Revolution.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (VF-EF grade). Visible surface wear, light scratches, and characteristic 'toning' or oxidation common to copper-aluminum alloys. No major rim dings or deep gouges.
Value Estimate
$0.25 - $2.00 USD. Value is nominal due to the extremely high mintage numbers in 1962.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver creams, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free flip or coin capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
10 Centimes and 50 Centimes coins of the same era (smaller and larger versions of the same design). Often confused with the earlier 'Sower' (Semeuse) silver coins which actually contain .835 silver.
Interesting Facts
The 1962 issue had a massive mintage of over 141 million pieces to replace older, smaller denominations during the currency revaluation of the 1960s.