20 Centimes Vichy French State, Zinc, "20", light type

Reverse

The center hole flanked by leaves vertically dividing the value with the date at the bottom

Script: Latin

Lettering:
20
CENTIMES
1944

Engraver: Atelier de gravure

Edge

Reeded

Comment

Two varieties are available:
- KM#900.1 heavy (3.5 g) - thick blank
- KM#900.2 light (3.0 g) - thin blank
The change in weight was made in application of a decree dated July 26, 1943. The 2 varieties thus coexisted for the year 1943 alone (source Le Franc). World Coins would therefore be mistaken in mentioning the two variants for 1941 and 1942.

This is an automatic translation. The original text is:

Deux variétés existent :
- KM#900.1 lourd (3,5 g) - flan épais
- KM#900.2 léger (3,0 g) - flan fin
La modification de poids est intervenue par application d'un décret du 26 juillet 1943. Les 2 variétés cohabitent donc pour la seule année 1943 (source Le Franc). Le World Coins serait dans donc l'erreur en mentionnant les deux variantes pour 1941 et 1942.

Interesting fact

The 20 Centimes coin from the Vichy French State was minted during World War II, specifically between 1943 and 1944. It was made of zinc and weighed 3 grams, which was a significant change from the previous versions of the coin that were made of bronze and weighed 5 grams. This change in material and weight was likely due to the wartime economy and the need to conserve resources. Despite these changes, the coin still maintained its value and was widely used throughout France during this time period.

• no continent
• no period