Coins
Starting in January 2002, France changed its currency to the euro, the new money that most countries in Europe use.
But for hundreds of years, French pockets have jingled with francs and centimes.
100 centimes equaled one French franc, just like 100 cents equals one American dollar. A dollar equaled five to seven French francs—the exact amount could change from day to day.
The fronts of all euro coins look the same, but the backs show different designs from each of the countries. The French euro cent coins show Marianne, a famous French symbol.
Bottom row: 10 francs, 20 francs, 100 francs
French coins come in many denominations. The largest denomination was 100 francs; the smallest was one centime. Here are some franc denominations and how big they were.
Do you know which American coin is now the largest denomination that circulates? It's the Sacagawea Golden Dollar. But some commemorative coins are worth more.
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