Logo Title
obverse
reverse
Münzkabinett Berlin CC0
Context
Years: 1999–2025
Issuer: France Issuer flag
Period:
(since 1958)
Currency:
(since 2002)
Total mintage: 3,508,748,161
Material
Diameter: 21.25 mm
Weight: 3.92 g
Thickness: 1.67 mm
Shape: Round
Composition: Steel (Copper-plated Steel)
Technique: Milled
Alignment: Medal alignment
Obverse
OBVERSE ↑
flip
Reverse
REVERSE ↑
References
KM: #Click to copy to clipboard1284
Numista: #99
Value
Exchange value: 0.05 EUR = $0.06
Inflation-adjusted value: 0.08 EUR

Obverse

Description:
A determined young Marianne, embodying a resilient Europe, encircled by twelve EU stars.
Inscription:
RF

2005

F. COURTIADE
Script: Latin

Reverse

Description:
A globe shows Europe beside Africa and Asia.
Inscription:
5

EURO

CENT

LL
Script: Latin
Engraver: Luc Luycx

Edge

Plain

Categories

Map
Symbol> Globe

Mints

NameMark
Monnaie de Paris

Mintings

YearMint MarkMintageQualityCollection
199915,000Proof
1999616,192,000
199935,000BU
2000280,064,000
200035,000BU
200015,000Proof
2001217,289,477
200135,000BU
200115,000Proof
2002165,290BU
200221,453Proof
2002186,283,016
2003101,000,000
2003132,139BU
200340,000Proof
200460,000,000
2004129,103BU
200411,033Proof
2005120,000BU
20058,519Proof
200520,000,000
2006132,000,000
20069,811Proof
200680,000BU
2007100,050,000
200760,000BU
20077,500Proof
2008100,050,000
200860,000BU
20087,500Proof
2009184,710,000
200952,000BU
20097,500Proof
2010184,000,000
201055,500BU
20108,992Proof
201142,500BU
20119,000Proof
2011145,000,000
201243,000BU
20127,804Proof
2012139,000,000
2013147,168,000
20136,661Proof
201328,500BU
2014130,032,000
201428,500BU
20145,338Proof
201597,000,000
201528,500BU
20157,500Proof
2016130,000,000
201628,500BU
20167,500Proof
2017129,987,000
201727,500BU
20177,500Proof
201828,500BU
20187,500Proof
201875,600,000
201916,000BU
2019105,930,000
20197,500Proof
202018,500BU
20207,500Proof
202089,694,000
202154,000,000
20217,500Proof
202115,000BU
202210,000Proof
202282,071,000
202225,000BU
20237,500Proof
2023
202325,000BU
2024
202417,000BU
20245,000Proof
20257,025Proof
202518,500BU

Historical background

In 1999, France stood at the historic threshold of a new monetary era, fully participating in the launch of the euro as a virtual currency for electronic payments and financial markets. This moment was the culmination of a decade of intense economic preparation and political commitment, driven by the 1992 Maastricht Treaty. To qualify, France had to meet strict convergence criteria on inflation, interest rates, budget deficits, and public debt, requiring significant fiscal discipline throughout the 1990s. The French franc, a symbol of national sovereignty for centuries, was now irrevocably fixed to the euro at a rate of 6.55957 francs, marking a profound transfer of monetary policy authority to the new European Central Bank.

Domestically, the situation was characterized by a unique dual circulation period. While the euro existed as "scriptural money" in bank accounts and for non-cash transactions, the familiar franc coins and banknotes remained the sole physical legal tender in daily life. This created a curious hybrid economy where citizens and businesses began thinking in both currencies, with prices often displayed in both units to ease the transition. The Banque de France and financial institutions worked diligently behind the scenes to prepare for the physical switchover, which was scheduled for the beginning of 2002.

The mood in France was a complex mix of pragmatic acceptance and underlying nostalgia. The government and much of the business community championed the euro as essential for deeper European integration, price stability, and enhanced trade. However, a segment of the public and some political factions viewed the abandonment of the franc with apprehension, fearing a loss of identity and covert price increases. Thus, the currency situation in 1999 was one of technical readiness and psychological adjustment, setting the stage for the final, tangible arrival of euro notes and coins three years later.

Series: 1999 France circulation coins

1 Euro Cent obverse
1 Euro Cent reverse
1 Euro Cent
1999-2025
5 Euro Cents obverse
5 Euro Cents reverse
5 Euro Cents
1999-2025
10 Euro Cents obverse
10 Euro Cents reverse
10 Euro Cents
1999-2006
20 Euro Cents obverse
20 Euro Cents reverse
20 Euro Cents
1999-2006
50 Euro Cents obverse
50 Euro Cents reverse
50 Euro Cents
1999-2006
1 Euro obverse
1 Euro reverse
1 Euro
1999-2006
2 Euro obverse
2 Euro reverse
2 Euro
1999-2006
🌱 Very Common