20 Centimes (Marianne)
Country of Origin: France
Year of Issue: 1973
Denomination: 20 Centimes
Composition: Aluminium-Bronze (92% Copper, 6% Aluminium, 2% Nickel)
Brief Description
A gold-colored French circulation coin featuring a profile of Marianne, the national symbol of the French Republic.
Historical Significance
This coin belongs to the Fifth Republic era of France. Introduced as part of the currency reform in 1962, this design remained in circulation until the adoption of the Euro in 2002.
Estimated Value
$0.10-$0.50 in circulated condition; $1.00-$3.00 in uncirculated (MS) condition.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish, as this strips the original surface patina and reduces value. Store in a cool, dry place within a PVC-free holder to prevent corrosion or 'emerald' spotting on bronze.
Mint Mark
Cornucopia (Paris Mint) visible left of date; Owl (Raymond Joly) right of date.
Mintage & Rarity
118,635,000; Very common.
Weight & Diameter
4.00g, 23.5mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Very Fine (VF) - Visible circulation wear but all legends and main design elements are sharp and clear.
Obverse (Front)
A left-facing portrait of Marianne wearing a Phrygian cap and adorned with stalks of grain. Legend: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE'. Designer: Henri Lagriffoul.
Reverse (Back)
The face value '20 CENTIMES' next to an olive branch and ear of wheat. Legend: 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' with the date '1973'.
What Drives This Coin's Value
The primary value factors for this year are condition and luster. High-mintage years like 1973 are rarely worth more than face value unless in pristine, uncirculated state.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the 10 and 50 Centimes coins of the same era, which share an identical design but differ in size and weight.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Counterfeits of this specific date are virtually non-existent due to its low value; check for the crisp details of the olive branch and the designer's name 'LAGRIFFOUL'.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major rare varieties reported for 1973; standard die rotation is occasionally sought by specialists.
Created At: 2026-05-10T21:53:28.943485