This is an unusual bracelet that is made from actual old French coins that were made with aluminum and bronze. The coins are two sided and the smallest coins measures ¾ of an inch in diameter. The large coin in the center measures 1 inch in diameter. The they have been domed to bring out the design. Each of the coins are different, I will describe each one below. They are connected by links. The bracelet only measures approximately 7 ¼ inches long so it won't fit a large wrist. The coins date from 1922-1939, this was most likely made in the 1940s.
Five of the French coins have the denomination flanked by two cornucopias on the back side and the words Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite, which stands for Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity (brotherhood). It is the national motto of France. French coins have carried this motto since the beginning of the Twentieth Century. The front has a laureate head.
Two of the coins were Chamber of Commerce coins, which were commissioned to issue emergency coins after the end of the First World War when France was suffering from a severe shortage of coins. They were marked Bon Pour or Voucher For. They were not official French money, but merely compensatory issues. The front has a seated portrayal of Mercury sitting sideways on a throne and holding a Caduceus staff, which is a recognized symbol of commerce and negotiation. It is often mistaken as a symbol of medicine. Below that in tiny print is the word Domard Inv.
Front of Coin - FRANCAISE REPVBLIQVE Back of Coin - LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE 50 CENTIMES 1932.
Front of Coin - FRANCAISE REPVBLIQVE Back of Coin - LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE 50 CENTIMES 1931.
Front of Coin - FRANCAISE REPVBLIQVE Back of Coin - LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE 50 CENTIMES 1938.
Front of Coin - FRANCAISE REPVBLIQVE Back of Coin - LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE 50 CENTIMES 1938.
Front of Coin FRANCAISE REPVBLIQVE Back of Coin - LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE 1 FRANC 1939.
Front of Coin - COMMERCE INDUSTRE 1922- Back of Coin - CHAMBRES DE COMMERCE DE FRANCE BON POUR 50 CENTIMES - BR AL in tiny print at the bottom
Front of Coin - COMMERCE INDUSTRE 1926- Back of Coin - CHAMBRES DE COMMERCE DE FRANCE BON POUR 50 CENTIMES BR AL in tiny print at the bottom
The bracelet is in very good vintage condition as you can see by the enlarged photographs with a wonderful old patina that only comes with age. I did not polish it, I will leave that up to you to decide if you want it polished or left the way it is. There are stains on the coins and it would need cleaning. Please look at the pictures carefully, these are not mint uncirculated coins. What fun to be able to wear an actual piece of history on your wrist. This would make a great gift for any coin collector.
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