Old french francs

Old French franc banknotes and coins, a symbol of France's economy before the adoption of the euro in 2002.

About this subject

The French franc was the official currency of France for over six centuries, from its creation in 1360 until it was replaced by the euro in 2002. The word 'franc' originated from the Latin 'Francorum rex' (king of the Franks), inscribed on the first gold coins minted during the Hundred Years' War. Over the centuries, the franc underwent several reforms, including the creation of the germinal franc in 1803, which established a bimetallic standard of gold and silver, and the post-World War II devaluation that led to the 'new franc' in 1960, worth 100 old francs.

Old franc banknotes featured emblematic figures of French culture, such as painter Eugène Delacroix, philosopher Blaise Pascal, and composer Hector Berlioz. Each note was a work of art, with intricate details and historical portraits. Coins included denominations such as 1, 5, 10, and 20 francs, often bearing the image of Marianne, symbol of the French Republic. The last series of notes, issued from the 1990s, already incorporated modern security features like holograms and watermarks.

With the introduction of the euro on January 1, 2002, the franc ceased to be legal tender, but it can still be exchanged at French central banks until 2022 for notes and 2025 for coins. Collectors and numismatists especially value older and rarer series, such as the 1795 franc of the First Republic or the low-quality paper notes from the 1940s due to wartime shortages. Today, the old franc is a tangible reminder of France's rich economic and cultural history.

Interestingly, the term 'franc' is also used in other currencies, such as the Swiss franc and the CFA franc, which retain the same nomenclature. The legacy of the French franc remains alive in popular expressions like 'franc fort' (strong franc) and 'n'avoir pas un sou' (not having a cent), which refer to the old currency.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the French franc go out of use?

The French franc was replaced by the euro on January 1, 2002, but banknotes could be exchanged at French central banks until 2022, and coins until 2025.

Which personalities appeared on old franc banknotes?

The notes featured figures such as painter Eugène Delacroix (100 francs), philosopher Blaise Pascal (200 francs), and composer Hector Berlioz (10 francs), among others.

What does the word 'franc' mean in currency?

The word 'franc' derives from the inscription 'Francorum rex' (king of the Franks) on the first gold coins minted in 1360 under King John II of France.