When travelers bring home French coins, most only see euro cents. But France's true national coin heritage runs deeper than modern currency. Let me show you why our factory specializes in recreating these historic pieces.

France's national coin evolved through royal eras to today's euro, but collectors value the franc (FRF) as the last uniquely French currency before 2002's Euro adoption. Its symbolic rooster design represents vigilance and national pride.

Last year, a client asked us to replicate 19th-century 20-franc gold coins for museum displays. This project revealed fascinating details about French coin history.

What are old Francs and new Francs?

France redefined its currency twice in the 20th century. The 1960 monetary reform created "nouveau franc" (new franc) worth 100 old francs. We've made replicas of both versions for historical societies.

Old francs (Ancien franc) circulated from 1795-1959, while new francs (Nouveau franc) were used 1960-2001. The 1960 reform removed two zeros, making 1 new franc = 100 old francs.

Key differences table

When reproducing these coins, we use different plating techniques:

• Old francs: Antique silver finish with manual texturing
• New francs: Mirror polishing with laser-engraved edges

What is a coin named after the king of France?

Royal coins tell France's political history through metal. The Louis d'or¹ (gold Louis) series showcases this best, named after 13 monarchs from Louis XIII to Louis XVI.

The Louis d'or gold coin (1640-1792) featured the ruling king's portrait. Louis XIII introduced it to stabilize currency, with later versions showing evolving royal iconography.

Our workshop recently recreated Louis XVI's 1789 20-Louis piece using original dies from the Paris Mint archives. Three details make these coins historically significant:

1. Obverse: Profile portrait with Latin titles
2. Reverse: Cross fleurdelisée (heraldic lilies)
3. Edge: Security patterns to prevent clipping

Modern reproduction challenges

• Achieving exact 22-karat gold look without sol²id gold
• Replicating hand-hammered texture on machine-struck blanks
• Matching historical weight (6.75g) within 0.01mm tolerance

What is an old coin that starts with S?

Numismatists recognize "S" coins through mint marks, but France had a unique S-denominated coin - the sol (sometimes called sou).

The sol (S) was France's primary silver coin from 1266-1794. Valued at 12 deniers, it evolved into the 5-centime coin until 1941.

We've identified three versions collectors seek:

1. Medieval sol: Hammered silver with fleur-de-lis
2. Revolutionary sol: Bronze "Liberté" design
3. Colonial sol: Struck for French overseas territories

What is the name of the most valuable French coin?

Auction records show French coins achieving seven-figure prices. The 1792 Louis XVI "Écu de Calonne³" gold pattern holds the current record at $4.8 million (2021 Stack's Bowers sale).

The 1792 20-Louis d'or "Écu de Calonne" prototype is France's most valuable coin. Only 3 exist, made for King Louis XVI's failed monetary reform.

Key factors driving value:

• Historical significance: Last royal coin design before execution
• Rarity: 2 in museums, 1 in private hands
• Provenance: Direct royal workshop lineage
• Condition: MS-66 grade (near-perfect state)

Preserving History Through Modern Craftsmanship

At INIMAKER, we bridge past and present using advanced minting technologies. Our recent project for the French Numismatic Society involved creating exact replicas of key historical coins for educational kits:

• 18th-century écu coins with dual plating (gold + rhodium)
• Revolutionary era "assignat" metallic banknotes
• Napoleonic medals with micro-engraved battle maps

Why professionals choose our replicas:
✓ Historical accuracy certified by INS
✓ Museum-grade anti-tarnish coating
✓ Customizable display cases
✓ Bulk educational discounts

Conclusion

France's coins chronicle royal power struggles, revolutions, and economic reforms. From medieval sols to euro coins, each piece tells a national story worth preserving.

Create Legacy Pieces with INIMAKER

Whether you need historical reproductions for museums or custom commemorative coins, our Shenzhen-based facility combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology:

Education/Souvenir Solutions

• Classroom sets (50+ coins) from $8.75/pc
• Interactive coins with QR-linked history lessons
• Scratch-resistant zinc alloy construction
• Compliant with EU toy safety regulations

Contact me for free sample designs. Let's create coins that educate and inspire future generations.