Most of these nice 1 centime coins from France are found in worn condition like Havak's coin. This keeps their value down to a few US dollars or less. In well preserved condition their value goes up substantially.
France made coins like this in both 1 and 2 centime denominations. The patters are the same except, of course, for the big 1 or 2 on the reverse side.
1 CENTIME:
worn: less than $1 US dollar catalog value
average circulated: $3
well preserved: $5
fully uncirculated (like our picture): $15
1900 well preserved: $100
1908, 1909 well preserved: $25
1910 well preserved: $80
2 CENTIMES:
worn: less than $1 US dollar catalog value
average circulated: $3
well preserved: $8
fully uncirculated (like our picture): $15
1900 well preserved: $250
1907 well preserved: $100
1909 well preserved: $70
The coin in the photo has great eye appeal, even wear, and interesting color. Coin collectors love those attributes. Because of them, this coin catalogs around $20 and would retail around $15. Use our Important Terminology link (upper left) to understand how catalog values relate to actual retail values. Thanks to
cgb.fr for letting us use this gorgeous image.
OPTIONAL RANT: Isn't this a beautiful coin? I really like the composition and overall artistic skill used to produce this miniature piece of art. Too bad the US screwed up the 50 State Quarters program so much. They had 50 chances to make great-looking coins but, in each case, artistic strength and flair gave way to political correctness and pet projects. Baloney!
