Hi, I'm new to this site! Trying to make some connections, this seemed like a smart way! haha

My name is Sara, I'm 21, from SW Ontario. I've always loved coins and have been collecting ones I found interesting since, well, as long as I can remember. I've enjoyed, over the years, getting coins from other countries in my change or finding them or having people give them too me. I really don't know much about any of them or the coin collecting world but I am looking to learn. I have to admit I was pretty confused browsing the forums here! haha

My collection isn't very extensive or impressive but I am looking for a community who enjoys coins as much as I do. I love to learn histories of coins and about the countries they came from.

The specific reason I sought out a site such as this, right now, is that I have some questions about a specific coin that was in a tin of coins my grandfather left me. They were mostly just neat coins from other countries with a few out of place trolley tokens but I was intrigued by one and am looking for more information on it!
If you know anything about Francs from the mid 1800's please message me or reply here! I'd really appreciate it. OR feel free to message me or post to say hi!

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Permalink Reply by Sara on February 13, 2009 at 3:28am

Thanks for the welcom Matt!! :)

Matt Sztym said:

Hello Sara, Welcome to the group.

Matt Sztym,
Edmonton Numismatic Society.

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Permalink Reply by Numisman on February 14, 2009 at 6:11pm

Hey Sara

Welcome to the Network, always good to meet new members.
I don't know if someone has given you the information yet, but if the coin you are referring to is the one on your profile page, then here goes!

What you have looks to be a French 5 Franc gold coin from 1860 minted at the Paris Mint as denoted by the 'A' mint mark. The coin was produced from 1852 to 1860(in 1859 and 1860 they were minted at both the Paris and Strasbourg mints the latter having a 'BB' mintmark and being the scarcer of the two).

It bears the bust of Napoleon III(President of the second French republic, 1848 - 1852, and later emperor of the second Empire,1852 - 1870) the word "BARRE" underneath his head stands for Jean-Jacques Barre (1793-1855) who was the engraver that designed the coin.
The Reverse has the Value of the coin as well as the date in a laurel wreath and mintmark below, "EMPIRE FRANCAIS" appears as the legend that translates to French Empire
They were minted in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 francs with the latter two bearing the Imperial coat of Arms on the Reverse in stead of the wreath.
It should be about 14mm in diameter and weigh 1.6 grams, nice coin these are actually not easy to find anymore.

Anyhoo hope that helps! Have a nice weekend

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Permalink Reply by AdamL on February 14, 2009 at 6:25pm

Welcome Sara!

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Permalink Reply by george palmer on April 6, 2009 at 12:46am

So what is your best coin I only have new maple leafs they all look good but just can't keep up with other coins

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Permalink Reply by Aidan Work on November 24, 2009 at 3:09pm

Sara,
You can always upload photos directly from your folders in 'My Pictures'.

That's how I've been uploading my photos,especially of some of my British Commonwealth banknotes,coins,& postal orders.

Aidan.

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Permalink Reply by ashish g chovatia on June 18, 2010 at 8:57am

go to www.ovatiindia.webs.com

ANUJ SAXENA said:

Hi,

I am also a new collector from India. Do you have anything from India. I will be happy to tell you about that coin. how many coins you have? Share with me your experiences, I will feel proud. Welcome to this unique world of coins

With kind regards,

ANUJ SAXENA

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Permalink Reply by ashish g chovatia on June 18, 2010 at 9:00am

hi sara i am ashihs (ovati) from india and i deal in india coins only my nmber : - 919426942300 email :-ovatiindia@yahoo.com

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Permalink Reply by Aidan Work on December 31, 2010 at 7:13pm

Where is everyone who used to post here?

I ended up giving up on MeBnet,so here's a slightly better solution that is totally FREE ; http://www.rb59.com/software .

There's a link to a coin program down the left hand side.

Aidan.

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Permalink Reply by Dave Marl on January 1, 2011 at 6:00am

Hello Sara

Welcome! I collect Roman, Indian, and Nazi coins so I don't think I can help with with Francs. But good luck with your search.

Happy new year!

Dave

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Permalink Reply by Chad Fogelberg on January 6, 2011 at 12:34am

Welcome to Coin Network. I collect coins from around the world, but mostly North America. France went through several eras of coinage. The coins after 1870 say "Republique Francais" and have motto representing a free France "Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite." The decimal coinage was divided into Centimes (1/100 of a Franc). During WWII there were Francs issued under Vichy France (occupied by the Germans). Afterwards, the Franc lost value and the coins have higher denominations. In 1960, the government issued new currency where one old Franc would equal only a Centime. Francs were issued until 1996. The Euro was used soon after. My favorite French coins are the last silver 5 Franc coins. I have one. I've always thought that the French have some of the most beautiful coins.