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FRANCE

FRANCE

France and the evolution of its Euro coins

France, a country located in Western Europe, played a major role in the adoption of the euro as a common currency. Since its introduction on January 1, 2002, the euro has replaced the French franc as the official currency in France. The evolution of French euro coins is characterized by a variety of designs featuring national and cultural symbols.

The first series of coins, issued from 1999 to 2021, features the effigy of Marianne, allegory of the French Republic, wearing the Phrygian cap, turned slightly to the left. On the left, the issuing country is represented by the initials RF for République française, above the year. The whole is surrounded by the 12 stars of the European flag. The engraving is by Fabienne Courtiade.

The 10, 20 and 50 centime coins feature a stylized reproduction of Oscar Roty's La Semeuse, wearing a Phrygian cap and sowing in front of a rising sun. On the left, the year. On the right, the issuing country, represented by the initials RF for République française. All surrounded by the 12 stars of the European flag. The background represents the flag of France, stylized according to heraldic conventions: horizontal hatching for blue, no hatching for white and vertical hatching for red. The engraving was created by Laurent Jorio.

The €1 and €2 coins featured a stylized tree of liberty in a hexagon representing France, surrounded by the motto LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ. The whole was surrounded by the 12 stars of the European flag, on the outer ring, on a criss-cross of lines, between which was indicated the vintage in 2 parts. The engraving was created by Joaquin Jimenez.

From January 1, 2022, and for the first time in France since its launch in 2002, the national face of the €1 and €2 coins will change. This decision was taken to mark the 20th anniversary of the introduction of euro bills and coins, and to coincide with France's 6-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. The design features the French motto Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité, with a stylized oak and olive tree, representing strength and peace. This new engraving symbolizes the strong link between France, Europe and the values that unite them.

The designs of the French euro coins illustrate France's history as an active member of the euro zone, underlining its commitment to European ideals while celebrating its own identity. These coins go beyond their monetary use as visual symbols of France's history, culture and achievements.

In this section, you'll find all the euro coins issued since France adopted the euro in 1999(BU, BE, 2 Euro Commemorative France, etc.)

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