Lot #552: Rare France 1916 Five Centimes Coin - Phrygian Cap (Liberty Cap) - Holed - (Lindauer) - Third Republic - over 100 years old!

Obverse: Features the initials "RF" (République Française) flanking a central hole. Above the hole sits a Phrygian cap (the Liberty cap) adorned with a cockade. The design is framed by a wreath composed of an oak branch (strength) and a laurel branch (peace). The signature EM LINDAUER is positioned along the lower rim. Reverse: Features the denomination 5 CENTIMES above the central hole, flanked by two olive branches. The national motto LIBERTE • EGALITE • FRATERNITE is inscribed around the rim. The date 1916 sits at the bottom, flanked by the cornucopia (Paris Mint) and the torch (Chief Engraver Henry Patey). The 1916 French 5 centimes coin is a quintessential "type" coin of the Third Republic, featuring the "Lindauer" design. This year is particularly significant as it represents the first major production period for the modern "holed" series, which was introduced during World War I to save on copper-nickel and make the coins easily identifiable by touch in low-light wartime conditions. In 1916, France was in the depths of the Great War. The move to this cupro-nickel "holed" design was a practical response to the scarcity of metals. This was the second year of issue for the 5 centimes Lindauer, following a very limited mintage in 1914. Because the 1914 and 1915 issues are extremely rare or non-existent in circulation, the 1916 issue is often the earliest "holed" centime found in most collections. Dimensions: Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). 17 mm. 2 g. Pickup category timeslot {A}