1 Franc - New Caledonia

This 1 Franc coin from New Caledonia was minted in aluminum, a postwar switch that saved France money while supplying a distant Pacific territory.

Production ran from 1949 to 1965 at the Paris Mint, using designs that echoed metropolitan French coins but adapted for colonial use. The obverse featured the French Republic's symbol, a woman's head, while the reverse showed the denomination and the territory's name. Aluminum planchets were lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ideal for a humid climate.

We don't know the exact mintage figures; records from that era can be spotty. What’s clear is that these coins circulated widely in New Caledonia, handling everything from market stalls to administrative payments.

Most examples you’ll find today are in decent condition, though wear from tropical use is common. As for myths about hidden treasures, let’s just say I’ve handled enough to know aluminum doesn’t turn to gold.