100 Francs Verdun

This 100 Francs coin was struck in 1916 using gold from France's dwindling reserves, at a time when the nation was pouring resources into the Battle of Verdun.

That battle, one of the war's deadliest, dragged on for months with horrific losses. The coin's design, featuring a simple profile of a soldier and the inscription "Verdun," reflects the grim reality without any heroic flourish. I remember handling one of these back in the '80s; the edge lettering felt worn, as if it had seen its share of hard times.

Mintage figures are spotty—official records from that era got lost in postwar chaos. What we do know is that these were minted in Paris, likely in small numbers to boost morale and fund the effort. Not every coin from 1916 survived; many ended up melted for their metal value.

Collectors sometimes overstate their rarity, but that's just talk. If you find one, check for the telltale mint mark.