France 1 Franc Silver Coin 1888 Ceres A (Paris)
One Franc Piece of the Republic since 1870
Obverse: Superbly detailed portrait of the Roman Goddess Ceres (a star above it) within the legend "Republique Francaise". Below the portrait the coin displays the name of Oudine. Ceres is the Goddess of abundance and agriculture as per Roman mythology. Ceres was beloved for her service to mankind in giving them the gift of the harvest, the reward for cultivation of the soil.
Lettering: REPUBLIQUE * FRANÇAISE. E.A.OUDINÉ.F.
Engraver: Eugène-André Oudiné.
Reverse: The face value "1 FRANC" and the date of the year of issue at centre, between an olive branch (on the left) and an oak branch (on the right) linked at their base by a ribbon.
Lettering: LIBERTE · EGALITE · FRATERNITE· 1 FRANC 1888 A.
Engraver: Eugène-André Oudiné.
Edge: Reeded.
Years: 1871-1895.
Value: 1 Franc.
Metal: Silver (.835).
Weight: 5 g.
Diameter: 23 mm.
Thickness: 1 mm.
Shape: Round.
The Law 30 JUL 1891 has authorized 1 franc coins to circulate in Portugal with a value of 200 reis.
French Coins: The Ceres Family
The head of Ceres with "Concord" head band. Designed by Eugene Andre Oudine (1810-1889) who worked for the Paris Mint.The Cérès, as the name suggests, displays the head of Ceres on its obverse, the Roman Goddess of agriculture, harvests and fertility and a symbol of the Republic. She is represented from her right profile, wearing an earring, a pearl necklace and a braided chignon in her hair attached with a ribbon and in which seeds, acorns and oak leaves are placed. This face is framed by fasces lictoriae featuring the hand of Justice on the left, behind the nape of the neck, and a laurel branch on the right, under the chin. A 6-sided star is above her head. The title is “Republique Française” (French Republic).
Silver 1 Franc Ceres Silver 2 Francs Ceres Silver 5 Francs Ceres
Gold 5 Francs Ceres Gold 10 Francs Ceres Gold 20 Francs Ceres