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The France 1 Décime 1797 KM#645.1 coin is a significant artifact of the post-revolutionary period in French history, representing a time of political upheaval, economic reform, and the establishment of new republican ideals. Issued during the French Directory period following the Reign of Terror, the 1 décime coin embodies the nascent Republic's efforts to reorganize and stabilize its monetary system. Struck in 1797 (Year 6 of the French Revolutionary Calendar), this copper coin reflects the shift from monarchic to republican iconography and values. In this specific example, graded G (Good), the coin exhibits heavy circulation wear but retains enough visible detail to confirm its authenticity and identify its historical origin.
The coin was introduced during the Directory, a five-member committee that governed France from 1795 to 1799 after the fall of the Jacobins. With the monarchy abolished and a new constitutional government in place, the nation required a restructured monetary system to reflect its political ideals and to address inflation caused by the overproduction of assignats and the collapse of the old regime’s currency. The 1 décime coin became part of the decimal system introduced by the revolutionary government, aiming for a rational and metric-based approach to weights, measures, and currency, departing from the complex pre-revolutionary monetary denominations based on livres, sols, and deniers.
The obverse of the 1797 1 décime features the inscription “LIBERTE EGALITE” (Liberty and Equality), a revolutionary motto reflecting the principles that underpinned the new Republic. Centered on the obverse is a prominent fasces—a bundle of rods with an axe emerging—symbolizing unity and authority. The fasces was borrowed from Roman iconography and came to represent the strength of collective governance under the republic. Surrounding this image is a wreath, typically composed of oak or laurel leaves, representing endurance and civic virtue. The bold revolutionary symbolism was a hallmark of this period, in contrast to the royal effigies that had previously dominated French coinage.
The reverse of the coin is inscribed with “REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE,” identifying the issuing authority. In the center, the denomination “UN DÉCIME” is prominently displayed above the year of issue. The date follows the French Revolutionary Calendar, and this example is dated “AN 6,” which corresponds to 1797 in the Gregorian calendar. The mintmark and the name of the mint official (engraver) are often included below the date or around the edge. Several different mints across France were tasked with producing these coins, including the Paris Mint (A), Lyon (BB), and others, and mintmarks from different cities add variety and collectibility to the series.
KM#645.1 is the catalog number assigned to this type by the Krause-Mishler catalog of world coins. It refers specifically to the standard copper décime of 1797 with the “fasces” obverse and denomination reverse. The coin has a diameter of approximately 33 millimeters and weighs around 20 grams, making it a substantial copper issue for its denomination. It was struck in nearly pure copper and has a plain edge. The sheer size and weight of the coin reflect the early intentions of the decimal monetary system to use large, durable coins that were practical for everyday use and representative of value without reliance on precious metal content.
While the mintage numbers for 1797 décimes were large, the survival of these coins in well-preserved condition is limited due to their extensive circulation. Copper, being a soft metal, wears quickly under daily use. Additionally, political turmoil and multiple regime changes throughout the 19th century led to many of these coins being melted, repurposed, or simply worn down beyond legibility. This example, graded G (Good), shows significant wear consistent with decades of use. In this grade, much of the detail is worn smooth, but major design elements such as the outline of the fasces, some wreath elements, and parts of the legends remain visible, allowing for identification and attribution.
Collectors value the 1797 1 décime both for its historical context and its numismatic importance. The Revolutionary-era coins of France are a direct reflection of the country’s dramatic break from monarchy and its experimentation with republicanism. The adoption of ancient Roman symbolism and the rejection of traditional regal imagery on currency make these coins powerful political statements in metal. Even in low grades, such as G, these coins are appreciated for their historical significance and as tangible connections to one of the most transformative eras in European history.
The design of the 1 décime coin was produced under the direction of engraver Benjamin Duvivier and other artists working for the Monnaie de Paris and associated provincial mints. The coin’s relatively simple, emblematic style—focusing on ideology rather than portraiture—reflects the revolutionary period’s emphasis on values over individuals. This was a stark departure from the portrait coins of Louis XVI and earlier monarchs. The fasces, wreath, and bold lettering were designed for clarity and resonance with the public, emphasizing collective strength and national pride during a time of civic reformation.
Though the 1797 1 décime is not considered rare in an absolute sense, especially compared to silver and gold coins of the period, its scarcity increases with grade and mint attribution. Mintmarks play a role in desirability, with some mints producing fewer coins or coins of lower quality. Even in G condition, the coin offers substantial interest for collectors of French Revolution-era coinage, educators, and historians. Its affordability in lower grades makes it accessible to a wide range of collectors, serving as an excellent entry point into the complex and turbulent numismatic history of post-revolutionary France.
In summary, the Certified France 1 Décime 1797 KM#645.1 in G condition is a meaningful representation of a pivotal time in French and world history. Though heavily circulated and worn, it stands as a testament to the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that defined the French Republic at its inception. With its bold revolutionary symbolism, historical issuance under the French Directory, and strong connection to the reformation of currency during a volatile period, the coin remains an evocative and educational piece for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of revolutionary France alike.