France 1/2 Franc

The half franc coin, introduced in 1795, was one of the first to adopt France's decimal currency system, making it a practical tool for the new republic's economy. This small silver or billon piece divided the franc into tenths and hundredths, streamlining transactions in a nation still reeling from revolution. Its design evolved over decades, from the initial Liberty head to later iterations with the French rooster or Marianne, reflecting shifting political winds.

Production varied by year and mint, with Paris as the primary source, though records for some periods are spotty due to wartime disruptions. We know exact mintages for only a few years, like 1830's 1.2 million pieces, but much else was lost in bureaucratic reshuffles. Early versions were often struck on planchets from repurposed metals, including melted-down colonial coins.

Over its lifespan until 1940, the half franc saw limited international appeal. It's rarely the star of collections these days.