France	Over 1,200 designs were considered for the national side of the French coins. A panel chaired by the Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance chose three designs, each for certain specific denominations. The panel consisted of experts in numismatics, artists, a former Member of the European Commission (Christine Scrivener), Members of Parliament, the French Mint Director Emmanuel Constans, the General Engraver Pierre Rodier and the actress Irène Jacob, along with members of professional bodies.
		EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins: A tree, drawn by the artist Joaquim Jiminez, appears on these coins, symbolising life, continuity and growth. It is contained in a hexagon and is surrounded by the motto of the Republic "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité". Edge lettering of the 2 euro coin: 2 * *, repeated six times, alternately upright and inverted.
			10, 20 and 50 cent coins: The theme of the sower is a constant in the history of the French franc. Designed by Laurent Jorlo, "this modern, timeless graphic represents France, which stays true to itself, whilst integrating into Europe".
			1, 2 and 5 cent coins: This shows a young, feminine Marianne with determined features that embody the desire for a sound and lasting Europe. It was designed by Fabienne Courtiade, an engraver from the Paris Mint.

MINTMARKS
		Cornucopia
MINT DIRECTOR'S MARKS (MDM)
(1)		Bee	Pierre Rodier
(2)		HorseShoe	Gérard Buquoy

MINTAGE OF FRENCH STANDARD EURO COINS BY YEAR
Year	1 cent	2 cents	5 cents	10 cents	20 cents	50 cents	1 Euro	2 Euros
1999 (1)	794.016	702.069	616.192	447.249	454.291	105.753	301.050	56.695
2000 (1)	605.232	510.120	280.064	297.432	148.953	179.496	297.270	171.120
2001 (2)	300.646	249.066	217.289	144.478	256.307	276.252	150.216	237.915
2002	-	-	450.000	360.000	260.000	280.000	270.000	180.000

NOTE: mintage quantities in thousand of coins