France 1-franc 1923 - Good for 1 franc (Chambers of Commerce)

France · 1923 · 1 franc

Circulating coinAbundant

€0.31estimate

140,137,683coins minted

N705 KM876 GADOURY468

RAReference number RARA-AV4EV

Circulating coin

Coinage of the Chambers of Commerce of France (1920-1927)

The coin's story

This aluminium-bronze 1 franc coin was issued not by the State but by the Chambers of Commerce of France, in the aftermath of the First World War. It replaced the silver coins, which had become too expensive to produce for their face value, the words BON POUR (good for) recall that it is an exchange token rather than State money. Struck at the Paris Mint, it nevertheless circulated throughout the country. The obverse, signed DOMARD INV., shows Mercury, god of commerce, seated with his caduceus. The type was struck from 1920 to 1927, and the 1923 date has 140,137,683 pieces. The coin ceased to be legal tender on 5 August 1949.

ObverseSeated Mercury

COMMERCE INDUSTRIE DOMARD INV.

Design: Mercury, god of commerce, seated to the left, holding a winged caduceus, a cornucopia at his feet.
Legend: COMMERCE INDUSTRIE (Commerce, Industry).
Signature: DOMARD INV. (designed by Domard).

JDDesigned by Joseph-François Domard

ReverseThe “Good for” Value

✿ CHAMBRES·DE·COMMERCE·DE·FRANCE BON POUR 1 FRANC BR. AL. 1923

Design: The value in the centre, surrounded by a legend divided by a rosette.
Legend: ✿ CHAMBRES·DE·COMMERCE·DE·FRANCE (Chambers of Commerce of France).
Denomination: BON POUR 1 FRANC (Good for 1 franc).
Inscription: BR. AL. (aluminium-bronze).
Date: 1923.

JDDesigned by Joseph-François Domard