Description:
French aluminium-bronze 50 centimes token, 1923
Diameter 17mm
The obverse features Mercury wearing the winged helmet and seated facing left. He carries with him the caduceus in his right hand and the lyre, on which he rests his left arm. Mercury is the God of trade, abundance and commercial success and is depicted here with goods at his feet. The words 'COMMERCE' and 'INDUSTRIE' are inscribed above and below is the date and the name 'Domard', possibly that of the designer or engraver. The reverse features the inscription 'BON POUR 50 CENTIMES', literally 'Good for 50 Centimes'. Below is the Parisian Mint Directors Privy Mark of the cornucopia and the letters 'BR.AL.' for bronze-aluminium. Around the outside is the inscription 'CHAMBRES.DE.COMMERCE.DE.FRANCE', 'French Chambers of Commerce'.