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 Replies: 18 / Views: 6,919 |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
In 2001, France minted a silver commemorative in honor of their Franc, a coin which had been first minted in 1360 and survived as the French monetary unit to that Day. The commemorative is called Un Ultime Franc (The Last Franc). It is, in this writer's opinion, typically French and extraordinarily beautiful. Being appreciative of minimalist design, I couldn't help but fall in love with this coin. The planchet is thick, and warped, an altogether organic design not forced, but eased into, cold silver. This coin was not struck, but persuaded. The finish is a rough satin. The obverse is blank save for an offset 1, intended to symbolize the transition to the new Euro monetary system. The reverse is equally spare, containing only the legend un ultime franc, equally offset. The edge is lettered, faintly, containing REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE, STARCK (for the designer, Philippe Starck, and France's motto, LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE. Less than 50,000 were minted. The one pictured here will never leave my possession.    |
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Valued Member
United States
64 Posts |
Very nice pictures of an exceptional coin, SuperDave. I also have this coin displayed on top of my coin cabinet, and it's a beauty. A very nice design, and a respectful tribute to the franc.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4589 Posts |
usually I would Say go with a color phot for just about anything the classic Black and white looks good For this coin, what does something like this go for
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Pillar of the Community
United States
560 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
23522 Posts |
The color is uncorrected, scoutjim. I underexposed it slightly to help bring out the grain of the fields, but that's the actual color of the coin and my high-tech, black t-shirt background.  The coin may be had in the $50-ish range. For the record, I acquired it, most satisfactorily, from the person immediately below my original post here. He'd been forewarned the thread was coming, and was therefore ready to post in it. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
595 Posts |
I need to own one of those.
Jan
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Valued Member
United States
191 Posts |
Awesome contemporary design. I am going to need one of those.  |
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
Both my wife and I own this coin as it was one of those ONE is NOT enough for this household! I don't remember what I had to pay way back then but knew it was a must have world coin. Very unique does not describe this LAST Franc that was produced and struck by France and, like SuperDave, these coins are NOT leaving this household! Definitely a keeper!
Edited by crystalk64
02/10/2007 08:27 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2600 Posts |
Superdave, I agree, it is special. Like everyone else, how is the best way to located one and what are they typically going for. Jim  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1840 Posts |
Great post, now I can add another one to the wish list.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1454 Posts |
Edited by Irishraider
02/10/2007 10:04 am
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Moderator
United States
23522 Posts |
Irishraider, your last link is where I purchased the coin, the site belonging to CCF member PMallette. Under our rules, he is not allowed to advertise the site until reaching 50 posts, but there's nothing stopping someone from mentioning having done business there. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1840 Posts |
Irishraider - Thanks for the link. Unfortunately I don't have the money kicking around right now  . I just purchased a couple of coins that I had been looking for for more than 6 months. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
867 Posts |
I'm kicking myself over this one. I saw it advertised for sale in CoinWorld when they were first minted and I was thisclose to ordering it. Not sure why I didn't, but now I wish I had.  Maybe someday....guess we've all got a "one that got away" story. Rachel  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2254 Posts |
Irishraider, thank for the post. Unfortunately I had to pull the trigger on this one. Very nice coin and I am such a fan of coins with the least amount of details. I only hope that my example looks as nice as Superdave's. This place is evil on you bank account.  I just wanted to add that as I am perusing this site, I realize that I could spend my entire tax refund there. The name of the site is very true. Wow..... Edited by tights24
02/10/2007 2:21 pm
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
I might add the fact that the Last Franc was a Coin of the Year winner (COTY) as I have tried, since 2002 to follow and purchase two or three of the winners of various classifications. Makes for some unique coins from all over the world and they are filled with history and beauty. Many of them may be very limited so I watch with great anticipation each spring for the list of nominees. I might also add the COTY program is always two years behind so the 2005 coins will be up for awards this year.
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Replies: 18 / Views: 6,919 |
Posted 02/09/2007 6:54 pm
