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The France 5 Centimes 1876K KM#821.1 coin represents a transitional phase in French monetary history, issued during the early years of the French Third Republic. Struck at the Bordeaux Mint, as identified by the “K” mintmark, this bronze coin carries both historical and numismatic importance. The 5 centimes denomination was part of the decimalized system introduced after the French Revolution and continued through successive regimes. By 1876, France had recently emerged from the turmoil of the Franco-Prussian War and the fall of the Second Empire, making this coin a product of national reorganization and republican revival. Certified in Extra Fine (XF) condition, this example retains sharp detail and strong design features with only light wear.
The French Third Republic was officially established in 1870, but its formative years were marked by political uncertainty and social upheaval. Following the disastrous defeat in the Franco-Prussian War and the collapse of Napoleon III’s Second Empire, France sought to reestablish itself under a democratic and republican framework. The early coinage of the Third Republic played a symbolic role in reinforcing republican values and breaking from the imperial imagery that had dominated previous decades. The new coin designs featured national allegories such as Marianne and adopted classical republican motifs reflecting liberty, unity, and reasoned governance.
The obverse of the 1876K 5 centimes coin presents the profile of Cérès, the Roman goddess of agriculture and abundance, facing left. She wears a garland of wheat, grapes, and oak leaves in her hair, symbolizing the fertility of the French countryside and the importance of agriculture to the national economy. The inscription “REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE” surrounds the portrait. Designed by Eugène-André Oudiné, this image of Cérès had been used on earlier coins of the Second Republic and was revived for the early issues of the Third Republic to reflect continuity in republican ideals. In XF condition, the portrait is well-defined, with most details in the facial features, hair, and wreath clearly visible, though with slight wear on the highest points.
The reverse features the denomination “5 CENTIMES” centrally placed, with the date “1876” below. Surrounding these elements is a finely detailed wreath composed of olive and oak branches—traditional symbols of peace and strength. The inscription “LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ,” the national motto of France meaning “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity,” encircles the edge. At the bottom of the reverse is the mintmark “K,” denoting the Bordeaux Mint. In XF condition, the wreath remains sharply outlined, with most leaf texture intact, and the legends are crisp and fully legible. The fields retain a smooth, even surface with only minor handling marks typical of circulated yet well-preserved coins.
KM#821.1 in the Krause-Mishler catalog refers to the Cérès-type 5 centimes coins issued by the French Third Republic and identifies the Bordeaux Mint version specifically. These coins were struck in bronze, with a diameter of approximately 25 millimeters and a weight of 5 grams. Their plain edge and durable composition made them ideal for daily circulation. The Bordeaux Mint, operating under the central authority of the Monnaie de Paris, was one of several regional mints used to meet the high demand for small-denomination coinage during France’s economic reconstruction following war and political instability.
The Bordeaux Mint had long played a supporting role in France’s national minting operations. While Paris struck the majority of the nation’s coins, mints like Bordeaux, indicated by the letter “K,” produced supplemental quantities, especially for copper and bronze coinage. The output of 5 centimes coins in 1876 helped stabilize France’s small-change supply during a time when confidence in the currency was being restored after imperial collapse and revolutionary turmoil. Coins from Bordeaux are sought after by collectors interested in mintmark varieties and regional mint history, with the “K” designation offering a unique dimension to an otherwise widely circulated type.
The 5 centimes denomination was a workhorse coin in 19th-century French commerce, facilitating small-scale transactions in shops, marketplaces, and public services. It was equivalent to 1/20 of a franc and would have been used for purchases like a loaf of bread or a tram fare. Due to their high circulation and constant handling, many coins became heavily worn or lost over time. Consequently, surviving examples in Extra Fine condition are valued for their preservation of artistic detail and represent an ideal balance between affordability and visual quality.
In terms of XF grade characteristics, this coin retains strong luster in protected areas, clear lettering, and sharp outlines of all major design features. Cérès’ facial contours, wreath elements, and the legends on both sides of the coin remain crisp. There is minor wear visible on high points such as the tip of the nose, forehead, or central leaves, but these are typical of the grade and do not detract from the overall eye appeal. The surfaces are free from major defects or corrosion, and the coin exhibits a pleasing brown patina common to well-maintained 19th-century bronze issues.
For collectors, the 1876K 5 centimes coin holds appeal in several areas: it is an early date of the Third Republic, bears the historic Cérès design, and carries the distinctive Bordeaux “K” mintmark. The Cérès portrait is especially significant, as it visually connects the ideals of France’s first republics to the new post-imperial order. Its use on this coin symbolizes a conscious effort to assert stability, republican continuity, and civic virtue in the aftermath of a divisive imperial reign. The inclusion of the national motto further underscores the ideological foundation upon which the Third Republic was built.
The France 5 Centimes 1876K KM#821.1 in Extra Fine condition is a historically resonant and visually compelling piece of French coinage. Its balance of symbolism, utility, and artistry makes it a rewarding acquisition for those collecting by date, type, or mintmark. Whether part of a broader 19th-century European set, a French Republican coinage collection, or a specialized Cérès portrait series, this well-preserved Bordeaux-minted example offers lasting value and historical insight into France’s political and monetary evolution during a pivotal era.