France 50 Centimes Silver Coin 1881 Ceres A (Paris)
Obverse: Superbly detailed portrait of the Roman Goddess Ceres (a star above it) within the legend "Republique Francaise". Below the portrait the coin displays the name of Oudine. Ceres is the Goddess of abundance and agriculture as per Roman mythology. Ceres was beloved for her service to mankind in giving them the gift of the harvest, the reward for cultivation of the soil.
Lettering: REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE.
Engraver: Eugène-André Oudiné.
Reverse: The face value "50 CENT." (50 Centimes) and the date of the year of issue at centre, between an olive branch (on the left) and an oak branch (on the right) linked at their base by a ribbon.
Lettering: LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE 50 CENT. 1881 A.
Engraver: Eugène-André Oudiné.
Edge: Reeded.
Years: 1871-1895.
Value: 50 Centimes.
Metal: Silver (.900).
Weight: 2.5 g.
Diameter: 18 mm.
Shape: Round.
French Coins: The Ceres Family
The head of Ceres with "Concord" head band. Designed by Eugene Andre Oudine (1810-1889) who worked for the Paris Mint.The Cérès, as the name suggests, displays the head of Ceres on its obverse, the Roman Goddess of agriculture, harvests and fertility and a symbol of the Republic. She is represented from her right profile, wearing an earring, a pearl necklace and a braided chignon in her hair attached with a ribbon and in which seeds, acorns and oak leaves are placed. This face is framed by fasces lictoriae featuring the hand of Justice on the left, behind the nape of the neck, and a laurel branch on the right, under the chin. A 6-sided star is above her head. The title is “Republique Française” (French Republic).
Silver 20 Centimes Ceres Silver 50 Centimes Ceres
Gold 5 Francs Ceres Gold 10 Francs Ceres Gold 20 Francs Ceres