1923 French Chamber of Commerce 1 Franc Coin (Aluminum-Bronze)

This is a circular coin issued by the French Chamber of Commerce, dated 1923. The piece is composed of aluminum-bronze, giving it a distinctive golden-yellow hue that has developed a natural brownish patina over time. The obverse side shown features the seated figure of Mercury (Hermes), the Roman god of commerce, holding a caduceus, which is emblematic of trade and negotiation. Above the figure, the words 'COMMERCE' and 'INDUSTRIE' are inscribed in a semi-circle, with the year '1923' grounded at the bottom. The edge of the coin is bordered by a raised beaded rim. Regarding its condition, the coin shows significant signs of circulation wear; the high points of Mercury's muscular definition and the caduceus are flattened, and the overall detail of the relief has softened. There are visible surface abrasions and small nicks consistent with age. This specific type of coinage was issued as 'jetons' or emergency currency by the Chamber of Commerce of Paris and other regions following World War I due to a shortage of precious metal coins. The design is the work of the artist Joseph-François Domard. The craftsmanship is typical of early 20th-century industrial minting, intended for high-volume daily use rather than aesthetic perfection.