French 1 Franc Aluminum-Bronze/Aluminum Morlon Pattern Coinage
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), featuring the design of Pierre-Alexandre Morlon
Pattern: Morlon Type 1 Franc
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), featuring the design of Pierre-Alexandre Morlon
Material
Aluminum (likely 1940s dates visible) or Aluminum-Bronze (1930s dates). Note: These specific post-WWI/WWII 1 Franc coins do not contain any silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23mm; Weight: 1.3 grams (Aluminum versions) or 5 grams (Aluminum-Bronze versions).
Description
A trio of French 1 Franc coins featuring the iconic Morlon design. The obverse typically depicts a profile of Marianne wearing a Phrygian cap, while the reverse shows the value flanked by cornucopias. These represent the transition of French currency during the inflationary periods following the World Wars.
Key Features
Morlon design signature, aluminum base metal (indicated by the dull grey luster and lack of silver tarnish), and the iconic cornucopia 'Abundance' symbols.
Material & Composition
Aluminum (likely 1940s dates visible) or Aluminum-Bronze (1930s dates). Note: These specific post-WWI/WWII 1 Franc coins do not contain any silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck with high-relief lettering. Features the French national motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' and a cornucopia motif in the design.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia mint mark (Paris) and various engraver's marks (wing/owl/torch depending on specific year). Central denomination '1 FRANC'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck coinage produced at the national mint in Paris.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the French Republic during the mid-20th century.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded or plain edges depending on the specific mintage year; designed for tactile handling in commerce.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial minting process; the Morlon design is praised for its Art Deco influence and clarity of the Republic ideals.
Authentication Indicators
Standard mint die characteristics, correct font for the 1940s 'Morlon' series, and typical corrosion patterns for mid-century low-purity alloys.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris).
Era & Period
Third and Fourth French Republic, post-WWI through WWII reconstruction era.
Age Estimate
Dated 1947, 1948, and 1949 based on visual inspection of the lower arc.
Cultural Significance
Represents the economic shifts of France from the interwar period through the Fifth Republic's monetary reforms.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible oxidation, heavy surface wear on lettering, and localized staining on the top left coin. Significant circulation wear on the high points.
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $2.00 USD per coin. These are common circulation issues with very low numismatic or intrinsic metal value.
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to avoid aluminum pitting. Do not clean with silver polish as these are not silver; mild soap and water are sufficient for base metal coins.
Similar Pieces
Semeuse (Sower) 1 Franc silver coins (pre-WWI), which are much heavier and contain .835 silver, unlike these aluminum specimens.
Interesting Facts
The Morlon 1 Franc was initially produced in gold-colored aluminum-bronze, but due to wartime metal shortages and inflation, later versions (like those shown) were struck in lightweight aluminum.