5 Francs Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

This 5 Francs coin from Saint-Pierre and Miquelon was struck in aluminum, a practical choice that allowed it to resist corrosion in the territory's damp, foggy climate.

That material decision reflected postwar economies across France's overseas holdings. The coin entered circulation in 1948, bearing a simple design: the French Republic's emblem on one side and the islands' outline on the other. Minting occurred in Paris, as local facilities didn't exist. Over the next two decades, variations appeared with different edge inscriptions, though exact production figures remain murky—archives from that era are spotty at best.

Collectors sometimes overlook these pieces because they're common in lower grades. The islands, a speck of France near Canada, used them for everyday transactions until decimalization hit in 1972. If you're handling one, note the lightweight feel; it's not silver, despite what some tales claim.

Aluminum coins like this one didn't dazzle, but they got the job done.