French 10 Francs 'Turin' Silver Coin (1933)
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), designed by Pierre Turin. Established in 864, it is one of the world's oldest continuously operating institutions.
Pattern: Turin Type (Named after the engraver Pierre Turin), struck between 1929 and 1939 with a 10-francs denomination.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), designed by Pierre Turin. Established in 864, it is one of the world's oldest continuously operating institutions.
Material
Silver .680 purity (68% silver, 32% copper). This was a debased standard compared to the pre-WWI Latin Monetary Union .900 standard.
Dimensions
Diameter: 28 mm; Thickness: 2 mm; Weight: 10.00 grams (contains 6.8g of pure silver).
Description
An iconic example of French Art Deco numismatics, this 10 Francs coin depicts the Republic through stoic, stylized imagery. The reverse is dominated by the '10 FRANCS' denomination centered between two vertical stalks of wheat, symbolizing agricultural prosperity. This design won the 1929 competition for a new currency look following the stabilization of the 'Franc Poincaré'.
Key Features
Stylized Art Deco wheat stalks, 'P. TURIN' signature, and the .680 silver purity which distinguishes it from the larger 20 Francs version or older .900 silver coins.
Material & Composition
Silver .680 purity (68% silver, 32% copper). This was a debased standard compared to the pre-WWI Latin Monetary Union .900 standard.
Finish & Decoration
Art Deco style. Reverse features two ears of wheat flanking the denomination, with the motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité'. Reeded edge and matte-to-circulated finish with sharp geometric lines.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Engraver's name 'P. TURIN' under the bust on obverse (not visible here); Cornucopia mint mark (Paris) and various chief engraver marks (likely the owl or wing for this era).
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck at a high-pressure minting facility using professional steel dies to ensure uniformity in currency production.
Functional Features
Serrated/Reeded edge to prevent 'clipping' or shaving of the metal; raised rims to protect the design from flat surface wear.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item designed for hand-held circulation).
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-engraving quality characteristic of Pierre Turin's award-winning style, showing symmetry and clean typography typical of 20th-century French minting.
Authentication Indicators
Die-struck characteristics like sharp lettering edges, specific 28mm diameter, weight of 10g, and correct French republic motto spacing.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, Paris. Produced at the national mint (Monnaie de Paris) as legal tender for the French Republic.
Era & Period
Art Deco (Interwar Period, 1918-1939). The design reflects the streamlined, geometric aesthetic typical of 1930s French decorative arts.
Age Estimate
Dated 1933 based on the numerical stamp on the reverse side.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the 'Franc Poincaré' era, representing France's effort to return to the silver standard (albeit at a lower purity) following the hyperinflationary pressures of the late 1920s.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) circulation wear. Visible flattening on the wheat kernels and letters; significant tarnish and surface patina consistent with 90 years of age.
Value Estimate
$8 - $15 USD depending on current silver spot price and collector demand for the specific 1933 date. Most of the value is derived from the silver melt content.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as this destroys numismatic value. Store in PVC-free flips or acid-free paper to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1929-1939 French 20 Francs (larger, 20g); 1930s French Indo-China silver Piastre (different motifs but similar Art Deco influence).
Interesting Facts
The Pierre Turin design was so popular it was adapted for use on French coins for decades, including the non-precious metals used after World War II.