Lot #688: New Caledonia 1952 Five Francs Coin - Kagu Bird - Marianne - Cornucopia - Scarce "French Union" (1946–1958)

The New Caledonia 1952 Five Francs coin is a fascinating study in contrast. Despite its large size, it is incredibly lightweight because it was struck in Aluminium. This coin was issued during the "French Union" period, a short-lived political entity (1946–1958) that reorganized the French colonial empire after World War II. Obverse: A classic French allegorical design. A seated Liberty (Marianne) facing left. She holds a flaming torch in her left hand, and her right arm cradles a cornucopia (horn of plenty) overflowing with fruit. The Engraver (G.B.BAZOR) is Lucien Georges Bazor, the same Chief Engraver who designed your 1952 Moroccan Twenty Francs coin offered in Lot #679. Lettering: REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE UNION FRANÇAISE and the date 1952. Reverse: Features the Kagu bird (Rhynochetos jubatus). The Kagu is a flightless bird found only in New Caledonia. It is the national emblem of the territory and is known for its spectacular crest of feathers, which the engraver captured beautifully in the design. Lettering: 5 FRANCS and NOUVELLE CALEDONIE. Dimensions: Aluminium 31 mm 3.8 g Pickup category timeslot {A}