The most beautiful and last French gold coins

The 100 French franc gold coin designed by Lucien Bazore is the last French gold coin and one of the finest coins ever minted. In addition, it has a beautiful story that we will try to summarize in our article today.

Following World War I, many countries, including France, faced significant economic challenges. The war depleted national gold reserves, plunging the global economy into turmoil. As a result, many nations drastically reduced their use of gold in minting coins. Governments also began increasingly shifting towards paper money and other forms of currency to preserve their gold reserves.

In the United Kingdom, for example, the government asked the public to surrender their gold sovereigns to support the war effort and stabilize the economy. By the end of the war, gold had largely disappeared from circulation. This trend was repeated in other countries, including France, where the focus shifted to preserving gold reserves rather than using gold in everyday transactions.

Then, in 1928, with the aim of stabilizing the French economy and reintegrating it into the global gold standard system, the French parliament passed a law establishing a new gold value for the French franc. The 100-franc gold coin, known as the bazur after its designer, was a key part of this plan.

Lucien Bazore, the chief engraver at the Paris Mint, designed the coin with exquisite detail. Weighing 6.55 grams, it is 900 purity (90% gold) and has a diameter of 21 mm. The obverse features a portrait of a woman, a symbol of France, while the reverse displays a circular inscription of the French Revolution's motto, "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," along with the denomination and the year of minting.

Despite their intended purpose, the bazur never entered circulation. Only a small number were minted between 1929 and 1933. However, between 1935 and 1936, a large quantity—13 million pieces—was produced. Unfortunately, due to turbulent economic conditions and another devaluation of the franc in October 1936, these coins were never released into circulation.

Then, to make matters worse, World War II broke out, and the French moved their gold reserves, including the Bazor coins, to West Africa for fear they would fall into German hands. There, these coins remained stored in secret underground vaults until the end of the war.

After the war, these coins were finally returned to France, but not for use. They were melted down as part of efforts to stabilize the French economy and manage gold reserves more effectively.

The bazour coin represented the final link in a long tradition of French gold coins that began in 1640 with Louis XIII. Although it was never put into circulation, the bazour coin remained a symbol of France's efforts to stabilize its economy during a difficult historical period.

Today, the Bazoor coin is a rare and valuable piece for coin collectors who appreciate it for its historical significance and captivating design.