French 20 Francs G. Guiraud 1950 Coin
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Currency) · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint)
Pattern: Guiraud Type (named for engraver Georges Guiraud)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Currency)
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint)
Material
Aluminum-Bronze (91% Copper, 9% Aluminum); Contains no silver content
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.5 mm; Thickness: 1.66 mm; Weight: 4.0 grams
Description
A classic example of French post-war coinage featuring the iconic Gallic rooster, a symbol of French vigilance and pride. The reverse displays the denomination '20 FRANCS' and the national motto 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' along the border. Due to the high copper content, these coins often develop a yellowish-brown or golden patina that can be mistaken for gold or silver by the uninitiated, though they are composed of base metals.
Key Features
Gallic Rooster motif, denomination '20 FRANCS', date 1950, and aluminum-bronze composition
Material & Composition
Aluminum-Bronze (91% Copper, 9% Aluminum); Contains no silver content
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck with a Gallic Rooster (Coq Gaulois) and olive branch; matte circulated finish
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (Cornucopia for Paris) and Engraver General mark (Wing for Lucien Bazor) flanking the date
Construction Details
Machine die-struck planchet with a smooth edge
Functional Features
Monetary denomination for legal tender in Post-WWII France
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; circular coin with flat surface and raised rim
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial minting; clear legibility despite being a mass-produced circulation strike
Authentication Indicators
Correct font styles for the era, presence of Paris Mint cornucopia mark, and characteristic aluminum-bronze wear patterns
Origin & Manufacturing
France, Paris Mint; industrial mass-production
Era & Period
Fourth French Republic (1946-1958); Post-War Reconstruction
Age Estimate
Dated 1950; strictly identified by the strike year
Cultural Significance
Represents the economic recovery and stabilization of France following the devastation of the Second World War
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible surface wear, scratches, and oxidation/tarnish; Good to Very Good (VG) grade
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $2.00 USD; primarily of historical or sentimental value rather than precious metal value
Care & Maintenance
Keep dry to prevent verdigris; do not clean or polish to preserve numismatic history; store in PVC-free flips
Similar Pieces
10 Francs or 50 Francs Guiraud Type; Distinguished by size and face value stated
Interesting Facts
The 'Guiraud' design was introduced to replace heavier coinage during a period of high inflation in the early 1950s.