Vichy Government (1940-1944) Coin List
France | 10 centimes
France | 10 centimes
France | 20 centimes
France | 5 francs
France | 1 franc
France | 1 franc
France | 1 franc
France | 10 centimes
France | 2 francs
France | 2 francs
France | 2 francs
France | 50 centimes
France | 50 centimes
France | 50 centimes
France | 50 centimes
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Vichy Government (1940-1944) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
Historical information
The Vichy Government was the regime that ruled France from 1940 to 1944, during the German occupation in World War II. This period marked a dark chapter in French history, characterized by collaboration with Nazi Germany and significant changes in various aspects of society, including numismatics.
Political and social changes under the Vichy regime.
Led by Marshal Philippe Pétain, the Vichy government implemented authoritarian and collaborationist policies. The republican motto "Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité" was abandoned in favor of "Travail, Famille, Patrie". The regime promoted a conservative and nationalist ideology, implementing anti-Semitic laws and persecuting political opponents. The French economy was severely affected by the occupation and German demands, leading to widespread shortages and rationing of essential goods.
Numismatics during the Vichy regime
In the numismatic field, the Vichy government introduced significant changes. New coins were issued reflecting the ideology of the regime, replacing republican symbols with others representing Vichy values. One of the most notable issues was the 1 franc coin of 1942, which featured a double axe (francisque) on the obverse, symbolizing the authority of the State, and the motto "Travail, Famille, Patrie" on the reverse. Fifty-cent coins were also minted with the effigy of Marshal Pétain. Due to the scarcity of metals, many of these coins were made of zinc or aluminum alloys, reflecting the economic difficulties of the period. These numismatic pieces are today valuable historical testimonies of a turbulent time in the history of France.