French India

This category is dedicated to coins of French India. It covers the period from the beginning of French colonization in the region (around 1600) until the integration of the territories into the Indian Union and the adoption of the Indian Rupee as the sole currency. 

Here you will find coins and potentially other forms of numismatics issued specifically for use in the French trading posts and colonies located on the Indian subcontinent. Denominations, types and metals used vary considerably depending on the period, the issuing authorities (East India Company, then the French State) and the local economic needs.

 The coins presented are classified chronologically and, if possible, by trading post or geographical area (Pondicherry, Chandernagore, Karikal, Yanaon, Mahé) to facilitate research. The coins of French India represent an important part of French numismatic history and bear witness to the influence of France in Asia.

This section is part of the larger collection of French Coins (470 to 2002), itself subdivided into Colonies and Overseas Territories (since 1600), allowing structured access to the different periods and regions concerned by French numismatics overseas.