An interesting showpiece of monetary history:
The Evolution of the French Franc before and after the Second World War -
a total of 3 sets are availableThis interesting set of 5 coins shows how the French Franc changed during an extremely challenging period of modern history. During these times, the Franc was more than once exposed to currency devaluation. So apart from its aesthetic appeal, this set a great showpiece for the risk of entrusting personal wealth to governments.
Historical BackgroundThe first coin of this set was issued after the First World War. It is a form of emergency coinage, issued by the french Board of Trade to cope with the economic crisis and coin shortage at that time. (Despite being victorious in the First World War, France suffered greatly from the war. Germany failed to pay reparations since 1922, entering hyperinflation itself.) This coin is made out of an aluminum-copper-alloy.
The second coin is the result of a currency reform in 1928, during which a new exchange rate for the Franc was established that fixed it at 1/5 of its pre-war value. Thus coin is made out of aluminum-bronze as well.
The third coin was issued by the Vichy puppet government during the German occupation of France (1940-1944) in World War II. Note, how the slogan of the French Republic "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) was replaced with "Travail, Famille, Patrie" (Work, Family, Fatherland) and a fascist axe emblem was put on the back side of the coin. The coin was made out of (cheaper) aluminum.
The fourth coin was issued after the end of the German occupation and shows the return to pre-war design. However this time, the coin was made out of pure aluminum. During this period the French Franc faced significant devaluation: 1945 its exchange rate was set at 480 francs for one British pound, in 1958 the exchange rate was 1382 for one British pound.
Because of the significant currency inflation, in the year 1960 the French government enacted a currency reform, leading to the minting of "New Franc" (the "New" was never put on the coins however). The exchange rate was 100:1 (old Franc : New Franc). This New Franc - the fifth coin - was made out of (more valuable) nickel. But even the introduction of the New Franc was not the end of currency devaluation in France. The Franc remained a relatively weak currency, loosing more than 85% of its purchasing power until the adoption of the Euro in 2002...
ConditionAll coins at least VF grade (I picked the best quality I could find). From set to set coin types are identical, but years may vary.
Pricing & Shipping0.015 BTC for a complete set, including free international shipping!
Now only 0.01 BTC !Shipment order:
- Established hero members and above with no negative trust or users with significant positive trust and no red flags: I ship first.
- All others: You pay first or propose a trustworthy escrow (fees paid by you).
