French 10 Francs Coin, Maurice Guiraud-Rivaud Design (Bronze-Aluminum)
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint). Established in 864 AD, it is the world's oldest continuously running minting institution, known for high-quality numismatic production.
Pattern: Guiraud Type 10 Francs, introduced in 1950, production ended in 1958.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint). Established in 864 AD, it is the world's oldest continuously running minting institution, known for high-quality numismatic production.
Material
Bronze-Aluminum (91% Copper, 9% Aluminum). This specific item is not made of silver, though it often appears in estate 'silver' lots due to its metallic sheen when aged.
Dimensions
Standard specifications: 20 mm diameter, 3.0 grams mass, 1.62 mm thickness.
Description
This is a classic French 10 Franc coin designed by Georges Guiraud. The obverse features a robust, neoclassical profile of Marianne, the personification of Liberty and Reason. Despite its golden hue, the coin is composed of a durable bronze-aluminum alloy intended for heavy circulation during the post-war years of the French Fourth Republic.
Key Features
Signature 'G. GUIRAUD' at the 5 o'clock position; stylized hair flow on Marianne; distinct sans-serif 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' lettering.
Material & Composition
Bronze-Aluminum (91% Copper, 9% Aluminum). This specific item is not made of silver, though it often appears in estate 'silver' lots due to its metallic sheen when aged.
Finish & Decoration
Matte circulation finish with relief engraving. Features the head of Marianne (symbol of the French Republic) facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with a cockade and topped with an olive branch.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' and the designer's name 'G. GUIRAUD'. Reverse (not visible): would typically show the denomination, date, and mint marks (cornucopia for Paris and a wing for the Chief Engraver).
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck using high-pressure industrial coinage presses at the Monnaie de Paris.
Functional Features
Legal tender fiat currency (demonetized in 2002); features a reeded or smooth edge depending on exact year variant.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld numismatic object.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die engraving. The relief shows excellent dimensionality in the hair and facial features, a hallmark of French minting traditions.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike depth; legitimate designer signature; characteristic wear patterns for bronze-aluminum; correct typeface for the era.
Origin & Manufacturing
France; struck at the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris), utilizing traditional French numismatic motifs modernized for the mid-20th century.
Era & Period
Fourth French Republic (1946–1958), a period of post-WWII reconstruction and economic transition in France.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1958 based on the 'G. GUIRAUD' signature and Marianne profile design.
Cultural Significance
Marianne represents the enduring spirit of French democracy. This coin was a daily staple of French life during the 1950s before the introduction of the 'New Franc' in 1960.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F). Visible circulation wear on high points (hair detail, olive branch). Evidence of oxidation and surface grime consistent with being handled as pocket change.
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $2.00 USD. These were minted in the hundreds of millions and have little value beyond sentimental or historical interest unless in 'uncirculated' (MS) condition.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with silver polish as it is not silver. Maintain in a dry environment to prevent further oxidation. Serious collectors recommend against any cleaning of numismatic items to preserve 'patina' and value.
Similar Pieces
1950s 20 Francs and 50 Francs (Guiraud type), which share the same visual design but are larger in diameter and weight.
Interesting Facts
The designer, Georges Guiraud, won the Grand Prix de Rome in 1926. This specific design was part of a series intended to replace older copper-nickel and silver coinage that was too expensive to produce following the inflation of WWII.