French 10 Centimes Coin, 1980 Republic of France
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Currency) · Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic and the oldest institution in France.
Pattern: Marianne/Epi de Blé (Ear of Wheat) Design by Henri Lagriffoul (Obverse) and Adrien Dieudonné (Reverse).
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Currency)
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic and the oldest institution in France.
Material
Aluminum-Bronze (Composition: 92% Copper, 6% Aluminum, 2% Nickel). Note: This item contains 0% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 20 mm; Thickness: 1.41 mm; Weight: 3.00 grams.
Description
A standard circulation piece of French currency from 1980. While the brassy-gold color can occasionally be mistaken for low-grade silver-gilt or degraded silver by novices, this is a base-metal coin. It serves as a classic example of French industrial design intended for high-volume daily commerce.
Key Features
Denominated as 10 Centimes; features the olive branch and wheat ear motif which was standard for this denomination from 1962 until the introduction of the Euro.
Material & Composition
Aluminum-Bronze (Composition: 92% Copper, 6% Aluminum, 2% Nickel). Note: This item contains 0% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a naturally oxidized yellowish/golden patina typical of circulated aluminum-bronze. Reverse features an olive branch and ear of wheat. Obverse (not shown) features the portrait of Marianne wearing a Phrygian cap.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia (Paris Mint mark) and 'Dolphin' (Privy mark of Chief Engraver Émile Rousseau). Includes the motto 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' and denomination '10 CENTIMES'.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck on a prepared planchet; machine-manufactured at the Pessac facility of the Monnaie de Paris.
Functional Features
Smooth edge (plain) for easy tactile differentiation between denominations. Serrated rim to prevent clipping or shaving of the metal.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard coinage). Handled via the flat surfaces or edges.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial production. The dies were engraved following the models of Dieudonné, demonstrating the precision of French state minting even for low-value base currency.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth for the 1980 series; presence of the cornucopia and dolphin marks; correct font and alignment for Paris Mint products of the 1980s.
Origin & Manufacturing
Pessac, France; manufactured by the Monnaie de Paris following established French numismatic traditions.
Era & Period
Fifth French Republic (Modern Era), specifically the pre-Euro currency period.
Age Estimate
Dated 1980; 44 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war French economic stability and the identity of the Fifth Republic before the transition to the Euro in 2002.
Condition Notes
Circulated (Fine to Very Fine). Shows signs of surface contact marks (bag marks), minor rim dings, and significant oxidation/toning. No evidence of cleaning or post-mint damage beyond standard wear.
Value Estimate
Face value is zero (demonetized). Numismatic value is $0.10 - $0.50 USD. High-grade uncirculated examples might reach $1.00 - $2.00.
Care & Maintenance
Minimal care required for base metal; store in a cool, dry place. Numismatists advise against polishing coins with silver cream as it destroys collector value; use only mild soap if necessary.
Similar Pieces
5 and 20 Centimes coins of the same era (composed of the same aluminum-bronze alloy but different sizes). Often confused with small gold coins by the uninitiated due to the color of the alloy.
Interesting Facts
Despite its gold-like appearance when new, these coins were often called 'jaunets' (yellowies). The 10 centime piece was a workhorse of the French economy for decades.