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Henri Matisse on Obverse of 1997 20 Euro French Pattern Crown
Henri Matisse on Obverse of 1997 20 Euro French Pattern Crown

Nu Bleu on Reverse of 1997 French 20 Euro Pattern Crown
Nu Bleu on Reverse of 1997 French 20 Euro Pattern Crown

The Euro
As the European Economic Community, or the European Union made its moves towards a common currency, first the ECU then the euro came into being. Although at first the euro was a unit of account, it had long been expected to be converted into a circulating currency. In most European countries there were pattern coins issued exploring the design possibilities of the anticipated new coinage. Some of these issues were design exercises carried out by official mints, others were privately issued.

Private Pattern Coins
There is quite a long tradition of private individuals or companies designing and striking proposed new coin designs. Certainly Thomas Simon engraved and produced at his own expense, a pattern crown which he presented to Charles II in 1663, in the hope of being appointed chief engraver at the Royal Mint. At other times when great changes to our coinage have been expected there has been considerable activity in producing private patterns. Before the great coinage reform of 1816, there were many unofficial patterns produced by Matthew Boulton and James Watt, who eventually produced the famous cartwheel pennies, and also supplied much of the Royal Mint's new machinery. Again in early Victorian times, when Britain was starting to think about decimalisation, many pattern coins, official and unofficial were produced. Nowadays there is a good demand for these rare antique pattern coins, and many of them command high prices.

1997 20 Euro French Pattern Crown
We have recently acquired a small quantity of pattern euro coins including a French 20 Euro dated 1997. This is part of a series which includes euro and ECU patterns for England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, France and Spain. French Obverse Design
The obverse design, features a portrait of Henri Matisse . The inscription reads:-
HENRI MATISSE 1869 - 1954

Reverse Design
A framed "Nu Bleu" surrounded by twelve stars representing the members of the Eurozone.
The inscription reads:-
REPUBLIQUE FRANCAIS
19 97
20 EURO

Specifications
DiameterDenominationWeightAlloy
38 mms20 Euro20 gramsCupro-Nickel

Prices
DateDenominationTypePrice £Price $
199720 EuroFrench£4.95$7.95

Postage & Packing:
UK: At buyer's Risk £3.50 or
Fully Insured £9 (Usually by Royal Mail Special Delivery)
USA: Airmail at buyer's risk $10 or
Fully Insured $20

Order Form - UK
Order Form - USA
Order Form - EU
Order Form - Rest of World

1992 ECU Patterns - England
1992 ECU Patterns - Northern Ireland
1992 ECU Patterns - Scotland
Euro Coins and Notes
More about the EuroZone


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