Old french francs

Old French francs represent over two centuries of monetary history, replaced by the euro in 2002.

About this subject

The French franc was introduced in 1795 during the French Revolution, replacing the livre. Over its lifetime, it underwent several reforms, such as the franc germinal (1803), which pegged the currency to gold, and the franc Poincaré (1928) after World War I. French banknotes and coins are renowned for their artistic designs and depictions of prominent cultural and scientific figures, including Louis Pasteur, Voltaire, and Montesquieu. The last series of notes, released from the 1990s onward, included denominations of 50, 100, 200, and 500 francs, each with a regional theme or a notable personality. The franc was officially replaced by the euro on January 1, 2002, at a fixed exchange rate of 6.55957 francs per euro. To this day, the Bank of France still exchanges old banknotes for euros, but coins ceased to be accepted in 2005. Collectors and numismatists particularly value rare series, such as the 5000-franc notes (Terre et Mer) or issues from the 1940s.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the French franc stop circulating?

The French franc was replaced by the euro on January 1, 2002, when euro banknotes and coins entered circulation. Franc banknotes can still be exchanged at the Bank of France, but coins ceased to be accepted in 2005.

What was the last French franc banknote?

The final series included notes of 50, 100, 200, and 500 francs, issued between 1995 and 2000. The 500-franc note featured Marie Curie and Pierre Curie.

How to convert French francs to euros?

The fixed exchange rate is 6.55957 francs per euro. To convert, divide the franc amount by 6.55957. The Bank of France still exchanges old banknotes for euros free of charge.