Coin France 10 Francs Mathieu - 1978 Edge B

The 10 Francs Mathieu coin, minted in France in 1978, is a commemorative coin with a face value of 10 francs. It is made of an alloy of copper, aluminum, and nickel, giving it a specific color and physical properties. It weighs 10 grams and has a diameter of 26 millimeters.

The obverse of the coin features a stylized map of France, from which rays emanate. In the center of this map, the letters "RF", initials of République Française (French Republic), are intertwined in capital letters. The name "REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE" is inscribed in an arc above the map, while the name of the engraver, "MATHIEU", and the year of issue, "1978", appear below.

The reverse of the coin illustrates a stylized representation of industrial France. It features shapes evoking cranes, pylons, and buildings, symbolizing the country's industrial activity. The face value "10 FRANCS" is prominently inscribed on this side. The engraver of this side is Georges Mathieu.

The edge of the coin is engraved in intaglio with the Republican motto "LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE" (Liberty Equality Fraternity), separated by symbols: a laurel branch, an olive branch, and an ear of wheat. There are two types of edges for this coin: type A where the edge is readable with the map of France facing up, and type B where the edge is readable with the face value facing up. The coin described here is of type B.

The mintage of this coin in 1978 amounted to 97,614,011 copies.