5 Centimes
France 5 Centimes (Fifth Republic)
France · 1973
A small, golden-colored French coin featuring the portrait of Marianne and the national motto.
- Country
- France
- Year
- 1973
- Denomination
- 5 Centimes
- Metal
- Aluminum-Bronze (92% Copper, 6% Aluminum, 2% Nickel)
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Overview
A small, golden-colored French coin featuring the portrait of Marianne and the national motto.
Historical significance
A staple of French currency during the Fifth Republic (post-1958) until the adoption of the Euro in 2002. It represents the modernization of French coinage under President Charles de Gaulle's 'New Franc' system.
Obverse (front)
Profile of Marianne (allegorical figure of the French Republic) facing left, wearing a Phrygian cap. Legend: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE'. Designer: Henri Lagriffoul.
Reverse (back)
Value '5' above 'CENTIMES', centered. Date '1973' below. An ear of wheat to the left and a sprig of olive to the right. Motto: 'LIBERTE - EGALITE - FRATERNITE'. Designer: Adrien Dieudonné.
Estimated value
$0.10 - $0.50 in circulated condition; $1.00 - $3.00 in Mint State (UNC)
What drives this coin's value
Primarily determined by condition (grade). Low-mintage years (like 1966 or 1991) are more valuable than this common 1973 issue.
Grade assessment
Fine to Very Fine. Shows significant surface wear, minor scratching, and darkening (patina) across the fields.
Mintage & rarity
70,050,000 produced in 1973. Very common; not a rare date.
Authenticity & counterfeit red flags
Authentic coins have sharp lettering even with wear. Counterfeits of this low-value denomination are extremely uncommon, but check for weight (2g) and diameter (17mm).
Notable varieties & errors
No major varieties for the 1973 date; focus is usually on high-grade 'UNC' specimens with original mint luster.
Similar coins
Often confused with the French 10 and 20 Centimes of the same period, which share the same design but are larger in diameter.
Care & preservation
Store in a dry environment to prevent spotting. Avoid acid-based cleaners; gentle handling is best to preserve the aluminum-bronze luster.
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