Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1993
Composition: Nickel
Diameter: 26.5 mm
Weight: 7.5 grams
Total Series Mintage: 30,000,000 + 1,850 Essays (approximate)
Obverse Design: Portrait of Jean Moulin
Reverse Design: Denomination
Introduction
This commemorative coin is technically derived from the average 2 Francs Sower, which circulated between 1979 and 2001. Its reverse is exactly the same, just the obverse was changed, in order to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Jean Moulin's death in 1943.
Jean Moulin was a major chief and a hero of the French Resistance during World War II. His mission, under the orders of General De Gaulle's headquarters in London, was to reorganize and unify the inner Resistance. He succeeded, but was finally denounced to the Nazis, arrested and tortured. He died of his wounds, on the way to a concentration camp, without having spoken under torture.
Design
The obverse design refers to a famous picture of Jean Moulin, half hidden in the shadow, metaphor of his secret identity. In the background stands the Lorraine Cross, symbol of the French Resistance. Beneath are the year and the name of Jean Moulin. Above are the words "République Française" // "French Republic" in English.
On the reverse, the motto "Liberté - Egalité - Fraternité" // "Liberty - Equality - Brotherhood" in English, is encircling the facial value "2 FR" - with a big "2" figure, above the year. In the background are branches of an oak and an olive-tree. On both sides appear various Mint marks and signatures, as well as an octagon encircling the texts and designs.
The Edge is reeded with thick reeds.
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General Market Notes
This coin is difficult to find in perfect condition. Even UNC and BU coins often show small impacts or hairlines, due to handling and packaging at the Mint facilities.
Coins in silver and gold were issued for the collector market, with the same obverse but different reverse, denomination and size.