500 Francs (Liberation of Paris) – France
Non-circulating coins
Commemoration: 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Paris
France
Obverse
Description:
General Leclerc's bust before Strasbourg Cathedral, with the Free French symbol.
Inscription:
PHILIPPE LECLERC DE HAUTECLOCQUE
2e DB
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
2e DB
REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE
Translation:
Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque
2nd Armored Division
French Republic
2nd Armored Division
French Republic
Script: Latin
Language: French
Engraver: Émile Rousseau
Reverse
Description:
Free France flag over Koufra.
Inscription:
JUREZ
DE
NE DÉPOSER
LES ARMES
QUE LORSQUE NOS COULEURS
FLOTTERONT SUR LA CATHÉDRALE
DE STRASBOURG
SERMENT DE
KOUFRA
2 MARS 1941
500F
1994
DE
NE DÉPOSER
LES ARMES
QUE LORSQUE NOS COULEURS
FLOTTERONT SUR LA CATHÉDRALE
DE STRASBOURG
SERMENT DE
KOUFRA
2 MARS 1941
500F
1994
Translation:
SWEAR
TO NOT LAY DOWN
ARMS
EXCEPT WHEN OUR COLOURS
FLY OVER THE CATHEDRAL
OF STRASBOURG
OATH OF
KUFRA
2 MARCH 1941
500F
1994
TO NOT LAY DOWN
ARMS
EXCEPT WHEN OUR COLOURS
FLY OVER THE CATHEDRAL
OF STRASBOURG
OATH OF
KUFRA
2 MARCH 1941
500F
1994
Script: Latin
Language: French
Edge
Plain
Categories
| Building> Religious building |
| Symbol> Flag |
| Plant> Tree |
| Symbols> Coat of Arms |
| Symbol> Cross |
| History> War |
Mints
| Name | Mark |
|---|---|
| Monnaie de Paris | — |
Mintings
| Year | Mint Mark | Mintage | Quality | Collection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | — | 432 | Proof |
Historical background
In 1994, France's currency situation was defined by its pivotal role within the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM), the system designed to stabilize currencies ahead of the planned single currency. The French franc was a cornerstone of this mechanism, maintaining a strong and stable parity against the German Deutsche Mark within narrow fluctuation bands. This stability, known as the "franc fort" (strong franc) policy, was a central tenet of French economic strategy, prioritizing low inflation and credibility with Germany's Bundesbank to ensure France's place at the heart of the future Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).
This commitment, however, came at a significant economic cost. To defend the franc's high peg, the Banque de France was compelled to maintain high interest rates throughout the early 1990s, even as the country grappled with a severe recession and rising unemployment. This monetary tightness constrained growth and fueled public discontent, creating a tension between the demands of European integration and domestic economic pressures. The situation was further strained by the memory of the 1992-1993 ERM crises, which had forced several currencies, including the British pound, to devalue or exit the system, though the franc had ultimately weathered the storms.
By 1994, the immediate turbulence had subsided, and the franc's stability was seen as a triumph, solidifying France's path toward the euro. The year was characterized by a cautious optimism as the country met the Maastricht Treaty convergence criteria on inflation and interest rates, though it struggled with high public debt and deficit levels. Thus, the currency background was one of hard-won stability achieved through austerity, setting the stage for the final push to qualify for the single currency, which would ultimately replace the franc in 1999.
This commitment, however, came at a significant economic cost. To defend the franc's high peg, the Banque de France was compelled to maintain high interest rates throughout the early 1990s, even as the country grappled with a severe recession and rising unemployment. This monetary tightness constrained growth and fueled public discontent, creating a tension between the demands of European integration and domestic economic pressures. The situation was further strained by the memory of the 1992-1993 ERM crises, which had forced several currencies, including the British pound, to devalue or exit the system, though the franc had ultimately weathered the storms.
By 1994, the immediate turbulence had subsided, and the franc's stability was seen as a triumph, solidifying France's path toward the euro. The year was characterized by a cautious optimism as the country met the Maastricht Treaty convergence criteria on inflation and interest rates, though it struggled with high public debt and deficit levels. Thus, the currency background was one of hard-won stability achieved through austerity, setting the stage for the final push to qualify for the single currency, which would ultimately replace the franc in 1999.
✨ Legendary