France 10 francs Montgolfier 1983

France · 1983 · 10 francs

Commemorative coinRare

€1.50estimate

3,000,972coins minted

N696 KM952

RAReference number RARA-NE5UE

Commemorative coin

Bicentenary of the first manned balloon flight (1783-1983)

The coin's story

This 10 francs coin in nickel-aluminium-bronze commemorates the bicentenary of the conquest of the air. On 21 November 1783, Pilâtre de Rozier and the Marquis d'Arlandes made the first free manned flight, aboard a hot-air balloon launched from the Château de la Muette in Paris. One side shows a hot-air balloon rising above a jubilant crowd, with the legend CONQVÊTE DE L'ESPACE, the other, the basket of a gas balloon carrying two passengers. Both sides are the work of Daniel Ponce. The edge bears LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ, in direction A or B. The coin ceased to be legal tender on 1 July 1993.

ObverseThe Montgolfier Balloon

CONQVÊTE DE L'ESPACE D.PONCE 1783

Design: A hot-air balloon rising above a jubilant crowd.
Legend: CONQVÊTE DE L'ESPACE (Conquest of space).
Date: 1783.
Signature: D.PONCE.

DPEngraved by Daniel Ponce

ReverseThe Gas Balloon

RÉPVBLIQVE FRANÇAISE 10 FRANCS 1983

Design: The basket of a gas balloon carrying two passengers.
Legend: RÉPVBLIQVE FRANÇAISE (French Republic).
Denomination: 10 FRANCS.
Date: 1983.

DPEngraved by Daniel Ponce

Specifications

Denomination10 francs
Year1983
Mintage3,000,972
MintMonnaie de Paris
MaterialCopper-aluminium-nickel
ShapeRound
Diameter26 mm
Thickness2.5 mm
Weight10 g
EdgeThe edge bears an incuse inscription.**Inscription: LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), between a laurel branch, an olive branch and an ear of wheat
ScriptsLatin