Coin France 50 Centimes Semeuse - 1965 Essai

Trial strike of the ½ franc Semeuse type, struck in 1965 at the Paris Mint, the very year of the official adoption of this monetary type by the decree of 9 January 1965 and the order of 8 June 1965. This trial strike precedes the regular issues of the series, which would run from 1965 to 2001 ? an exceptional testament to the coin creation process of the Fifth Republic.

The obverse features the celebrated Semeuse walking left, sowing into the wind, embodying the French Republic, with the rising sun in the background and the incuse signature O. ROTY ? the legendary engraver who created this iconic motif in 1897. The reverse displays ½ FRANC flanked by mint marks, with the motto LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ and the date 1965.

Reeded edge. AU condition, characteristic of carefully preserved trial strikes.

Condition: AU ? coin in splendid condition, very light traces of handling