The 1982 10 Francs coin is one of the most interesting issues in modern French numismatics. It was the first commemorative circulation coin issued by France during the Fifth Republic, honoring the centenary of the death of Léon Gambetta, an important figure in French political history.
Historical Background
In 1982, France issued a commemorative 10 Francs coin dedicated to Léon Gambetta, one of the founders of the French Third Republic. The coin marked the 100th anniversary of his death and inaugurated a new tradition of French commemorative coins intended both for circulation and for collectors.
The issue was limited to approximately 3 million pieces, a relatively modest mintage compared with many regular circulation coins of the period.
Technical Specifications
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Face Value | 10 Francs |
| Country | France |
| Year | 1982 |
| Composition | Copper, nickel, and aluminum alloy |
| Weight | 10 grams |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | 2.6 mm |
| Edge | Plain |
| Designer | Émile Rousseau |
| Mint | Monnaie de Paris (Pessac) |
Design Description
Obverse
The obverse features a left-facing portrait of Léon Gambetta, accompanied by the dates “1838–1882.” His name appears around the outer legend.
Reverse
The reverse depicts a symbolic representation of Gambetta’s famous balloon escape from Paris during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. The design includes Republican flags, the inscription “République Française,” the denomination “10 Francs,” and the French national motto: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.”
Mintage
The coin had a circulation mintage of approximately 3,044,511 pieces, in addition to special collector sets produced by the French Mint.
Current Numismatic Value
The market value depends primarily on the coin’s condition:
| Condition | Approximate Value |
|---|---|
| Heavily Circulated | €1 – €3 |
| Fine (F) | €3 – €6 |
| Extremely Fine (XF) | €8 – €15 |
| Uncirculated (UNC) | €15 – €40 |
| Official Mint Packaging or Collector Set | €40 – €80 or more |
These values are indicative and may vary depending on market demand, preservation quality, original mint luster, and whether the coin is accompanied by official packaging.
Collector Interest
The 1982 Gambetta 10 Francs coin is particularly attractive to collectors because:
- It was the first modern French commemorative coin intended for circulation.
- It honors an important figure in French political history.
- It features a distinctive and historically meaningful design.
- It remains affordable for beginning collectors.
- High-grade uncirculated examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Conclusion
The 1982 French 10 Francs coin represents an important milestone in France’s monetary history. Although it is not considered a rare coin, it holds significant historical and numismatic value due to its commemorative nature and its role in launching a new series of special French coin issues. For collectors, a well-preserved example remains an attractive and worthwhile addition to any collection of 20th-century French coins.
