2022 Edition of French Standard Reference Released

Monnaies Françaises has been the bible on the coins of modern France since it was first published in 1973. It is now authored by Francesco Pastrone and published by Editions…

Monnaies Françaises has been the bible on the coins of modern France since it was first published in 1973. It is now authored by Francesco Pastrone and published by Editions Victor Gadoury of Monaco. It is called "Le Rouge" (The Red) in French. The 25th edition, covering the years 1789 to 2021, with all illustrations in color, and a number of new features has been printed and will be available in North America by the end of January. Featured is a chapter for Napoleon I featuring the avidly collected essais, piéforts, and proofs or flans bruni struck during his reign. There is also coverage of all the silver and copper coins of Napoleon in Italy, the latest coins of the French Mint, and a new issue from Monaco in the widened coverage of that country. In addition, there are many improved high-quality illustrations, many of them showing close-up details.

It is now 608 pages with information on all French coins minted since the revolution of 1789 through the current Fifth Republic in chronological order by denomination (smallest to largest), including both the circulation and collector issues of France's modern euro coins through 2021. Also given are metal, fineness, weight, diameter, edge, engraver's name and privy marks. Mintage figures are provided by date and mint mark for each denomination, along with the current values in euros in up to five grades. Included are obsidional coinage issued for the sieges of Mainz and Antwerp, and special sections on commemorative coins, coins of Monaco, coins of Corsica (1736, 1762-68), coins of Saarland (1954-55), the coins of the Kingdom of Westphalia, and an illustrated guide of all privy marks.

The book is $48.95 and can be ordered from the Coin & Currency Institute, P.O. Box 399, Williston, Vermont 05495. $5.75 should be added to each order for shipping and handling in the U.S. Major credit cards are accepted. Call toll-free 1-800-421-1866. Fax (802) 536-4787. E-mail: mail@coin-currency.com. Order online at www.coin-currency.com.