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  Types / Variations   Mintage by Year   Mintmarks   Commemorative Coins

   

 



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

 © 2002 EuroGuide - Hélder Bernardo