Post World War 2 French aluminium coin - 5 Francs

Post World War 2 French aluminium coin - 5 Francs 1947, in circulated but good condition.

During the Second World War, many changes had to be made to the currency systems of many of the participant nations, as well as the neutral nations who lost all supplies from their war-focused neighbors. As well as the precious silver, which could no longer be spared for coins, many base metals (such as nickel or copper) had to be used elsewhere for the production of war materials, normally leaving zinc or aluminium in their places.

As countries were invaded and occupied by others, these authorities issued their own coins, of the same currency as previously was being used, but of different designs or metals.

After France was liberated, the coinage was reverted to the pre-war designs, showing Marianne on the obverse, still mostly in aluminium.