France has a long and rich numismatic history, with coinage evolving through various monetary systems. Before the euro (EUR), France used the French franc (FRF), which was first introduced in 1360 and later modernized during the French Revolution. The franc remained in circulation until 2002, when France adopted the euro as part of the European Monetary Union. Over the centuries, French coins have featured monarchs, national symbols, and revolutionary themes, reflecting the country's political and economic transformations.
Today, France uses the euro, with coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euros. French euro coins incorporate designs that reflect the nation's identity, including symbols of liberty, history, and growth. The common European side of the coins includes standard eurozone imagery shared across all member states.
Modern French coins are made from copper-plated steel, Nordic gold, and bimetallic compositions to enhance durability and security. Inflation and economic reforms have shaped France’s coinage, with lower-value coins losing purchasing power over time. While the euro provides monetary stability, debates continue about phasing out smaller denominations due to rising production costs and changes in consumer behavior.
