French 10 Francs Coin (Marianne/Turin Type)

This is a French 10 Francs circulation coin, typically dated between 1929 and 1949, featuring the 'Turin' design by Pierre-Alexandre Morlon. The obverse depicts the profile of Marianne, the national personification of the French Republic, wearing a Phrygian cap adorned with a composite wreath of oak, laurel, and wheat. The circumscribed text reads 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE'. Materially, these coins were struck in an alloy of copper, aluminum, and nickel, giving them a distinct brassy or golden-yellow hue. The coin exhibits signs of significant circulation and environmental aging, characterized by a dull, dark patina and localized spotting or oxidation across the fields. Surface wear is evident on the high points of Marianne's profile, particularly the cheekbone and the details of the wreath. There are visible contact marks, minor rim nicks, and 'bag marks' consistent with bulk handling. The die strike appears standard for mid-20th-century French industrial minting, though much of the original luster has been lost to time and handling. This specific design reflects the Art Deco influence prevalent in French currency during the interwar and immediate post-WWII period.