France 25 centimes 1903 - Third Republic (Patey)

France · 1903 · 25 centimes

Circulating coinCommon

€0.50estimate

16,000,000coins minted

N1160 KM855

RAReference number RARA-X4VAG

Circulating coin

Nickel 25 centimes by Patey, 1st type (1903-1904)

The coin's story

This nickel 25 centimes coin is the first type designed by Henri-Auguste Patey. It was the first 25 centimes coin issued in France since 1848, but it was a failure: round and close in size to the franc, it caused confusion. Its reverse places the value within a double square surrounded by the words LIBERTÉ, ÉGALITÉ and FRATERNITÉ. In 1904, a second type, a twenty-two-sided polygon decorated with a fasces, replaced it. Numista gives 16,000,000 pieces for 1903 and notes different dies, with a thin or thick 3 in the date. The coin ceased to be legal tender on 28 June 1933.

ObversePatey's Marianne

RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE A·PATEY

Design: The left profile of Marianne wearing the Phrygian cap.
Legend: RÉPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE (French Republic).
Signature: A·PATEY.

HPEngraved by Henri-Auguste-Jules Patey

ReverseThe Double Square

LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ25CENTIMES1903

Design: The value within a double square, the date below.
Motto: LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity), spread over three sides.
Denomination: 25 CENTIMES.
Date: 1903.

HPEngraved by Henri-Auguste-Jules Patey