Vichy France Coin Appraisal

Vichy France 'Etat Français' Coin

This is a metallic coin, circular in shape, with a dull, silvery-grey sheen, suggesting it is made of a base metal alloy, possibly aluminum or a similar light-colored non-precious metal. The surface exhibits a matte finish with some areas appearing slightly brighter due to wear or light reflection. The visible side of the coin features a prominent central motif of a fasces, which is an axe with its head protruding from a bundle of rods. This symbol is flanked on both sides by stylized ears of wheat or grain, indicating agricultural prosperity or abundance. Encircling the central design, along the lower circumference of the coin, are the engraved words 'ETAT FRANCAIS', which translates to 'French State'. The lettering is clear, albeit somewhat worn in places, particularly on the 'T' of 'ETAT' and the initial 'F' of 'FRANCAIS'. The overall condition suggests that the coin has been in circulation; there are visible signs of wear across the raised elements, indicating some loss of finer details. No specific mint marks, dates, or denominations are clearly legible from this obverse view. The edges appear smooth, without reeding being discernible. Given the inscription 'ETAT FRANCAIS' and the fasces symbol, this coin is characteristic of currency issued by the Vichy French government during World War II, typically dating from the early to mid-1940s. The craftsmanship appears to be industrial, as expected for mass-produced coinage, with a utilitarian aesthetic.