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France 20 centimes 1942 - French State (Zinc)

France · 1942 · 20 centimes
Circulating coinCommon
€0.73estimate
112,868,000coins minted
N706 KM900.1
RAReference number RARA-NB4DK
Circulating coin

ÉTAT FRANÇAIS zinc 20 centimes, 20 type, heavy (1941-1944)

The coin's story

This zinc 20 centimes coin, pierced with a central hole, was struck under the French State, the Vichy regime (1940-1944). Alongside the 1941 type where the value is written in words, VINGT, this type bears the numeral 20. This heavy version weighs 3.5 grams, according to Numista, a decree of 1943 then led to a lighter version. The legend ÉTAT FRANÇAIS replaced RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE, and the republican motto disappeared. Both sides are the work of the engraving workshop of the Paris Mint. The 1942 date has 112,868,000 pieces. The coin ceased to be legal tender on 20 March 1947.

    ObverseThe Ears of Wheat

    ETAT FRANÇAIS
    Design
    ÉTAT FRANÇAIS above the hole, four ears of wheat on either side.
    Legend
    ETAT FRANÇAIS (French State).
    Signature
    A. DE G. (engraving workshop).

    APEngraved by Atelier de Gravure de la Monnaie de Paris

    Specifications

    • Denomination20 centimes
    • Year1942
    • Mintage112,868,000
    • MintMonnaie de Paris
    • MaterialZinc
    • ShapeRound
    • Diameter24 mm
    • Thickness1.5 mm
    • Weight3.5 g
    • EdgeThe edge is reeded
    • ScriptsLatin

    Actual size

    20 centimes 24 mm 2 € 25.75 mm 1 € 23.25 mm

    Actual size compared with the 2 € and 1 € coins. Thickness: 1.5 mm.

    Composition

    Zinc100 %

    Reference catalogues

    N706Numista KM900.1Krause (Standard Catalog of World Coins)

    Same country, same period at the scale of real diameters

    10 centimes1943 · 17.3 mm 10 centimes1945 · 17 mm 50 centimes1941 · 18 mm 50 centimes1942 · 18 mm 10 centimes1941 · 21 mm 10 centimes1941 · 21 mm 1 franc1942 · 23 mm 20 centimes1941 · 24 mm

    By the same engraver: Atelier de Gravure de la Monnaie de Paris 9 coins

    1941France 10 centimes 1941 - French State (Vichy) large module 1941France 20 centimes 1941 - French State (Zinc) 1943France 10 centimes 1943 - Vichy France small module 1986France 10 francs Robert Schuman 1986 1986France 10 francs Liberty Equality Fraternity 1986 1988France 10 francs Genius of Liberty 1988 1988France 10 francs Roland Garros 1988 1992France 20-franc Mont-Saint-Michel 1992 closed V

    France in the collection All 82 coins →

    18481992

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