Denomination: 5 Francs

Period: Branch of the House of Bourbon

Date: 1838

Origin: Lille mint, France

Condition: VF

Obverse: Laureate bust of Louis, right, legend around, LOUIS PHILIPPE I ROI DES FRANCAIS (Domard, engravers name below)

Reverse: Denomination and date inside wreath, mint marks outside wreath. Incuse lettering around edge.

Size and Weight: 37mm, 22g

References: KM#749.13

Features and Provenance: Louis Philippe was the last king and penultimate monarch of France. He was related to Queen Victoria and she was on friendly terms with him. His successor was never crowned and the monarchy was abolished in 1848 during the 'February Revolution'. This uprising resulted in Louis Philippe's abdication and the formation of the Second Republic, with Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte making himself Napoleon III (not to be confused with the infamous Napoleon I, his uncle). The famous tripartite motto 'Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite' (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) was officially nationally adopted.   

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible