Ancient franc (1837-1960) Coin List
The Principality of Monaco, under the rule of the House of Grimaldi, underwent important political and economic changes from 1837 to 1960. During this period, Monegasque coins reflected the evolution of the small Mediterranean state, from its close relationship with France to its growing autonomy and prosperity.
The reign of Charles III and the monetary union with France
Prince Charles III, who ruled Monaco from 1856 to 1889, marked a turning point in the principality's numismatic history. In 1865, Monaco joined the Latin Monetary Union, adopting the franc as its official currency. This decision allowed the minting of Monegasque coins with the same weight and grade as French coins, facilitating their circulation in both countries. The first issues of this period included gold pieces of 100 and 20 francs, as well as silver coins of 5, 2, 1 and 0.5 francs. These coins bore the portrait of Prince Charles III on the obverse and the Grimaldi coat of arms on the reverse, symbolizing Monegasque sovereignty within the French monetary framework.
The era of casinos and monetary modernization
In the early 20th century, under the reign of Albert I and then Louis II, Monaco experienced an economic boom driven by the gambling industry and tourism. This growth was reflected in the issuance of commemorative and higher quality coins. In 1924, new denominations were introduced, including the popular 2-franc aluminum coins, which became a symbol of Monaco's modernity. During World War II, coin production was interrupted, but resumed in the 1950s under Prince Rainier III. In 1960, Monaco issued its first full decimal series, which included denominations from 1 cent to 100 francs, ushering in a new era in Monegasque numismatics. These coins, with designs celebrating the principality's rich history and culture, became coveted collector's items, reflecting Monaco's unique status as a small state with a large presence in the numismatic world.
The most valuable and popular coins
The most valuable Ancient franc (1837-1960) coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins list has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Old coins of Monaco
To facilitate their classification, we have decided to organise the coins according to their historical period, you can consult the coins by historical numismatic categories of Monaco.
Ancient franc 1837-1960 New franc 1960-2002 Euro 2001-?Coin Catalog
Mónaco | 5 centimes (Big head - Brass color)
Mónaco | 5 centimes (Large head-Color Copper)
Mónaco | 5 centimes (Small head-Copper color)
Mónaco | 5 centimes (Small head - Brass color)
Mónaco | 1 decime
Mónaco | 20 francs
Mónaco | 100 francs
Mónaco | 50 centimes (Louis II)
Mónaco | 1 franc (Louis II)
Mónaco | 1 franc (Louis II)
Mónaco | 1 franc
Mónaco | 1 franc
Mónaco | 2 francs
Mónaco | 2 francs
Mónaco | 5 francs
Mónaco | 10 francs
Mónaco | 20 francs
Mónaco | 10 francs
Mónaco | 20 francs
Mónaco | 50 francs
Mónaco | 100 francs
Mónaco | 100 francs
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of Monaco
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