France. 1 Centime 1884-A Cérès. PCGS MS66RD (No reserve price)

1884-A France Third Republic Third Republic French Cérès (Goddess of Grain) 1 Centime

Highlights:
1. This coin symbolizes the establishment of the French Third Republic, embodying Republican values and the agricultural economic foundation, witnessing social changes from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
2. With a total mintage of only 400,000 pieces, high-grade versions are less common and occasionally labeled as rare in the collector's market.
3. Low-denomination subsidiary coins often suffer from circulation wear and damage, making high-grade coins with an RD designation extremely rare.

Coin Story:
The 1884 French Cérès (Goddess of Grain) 1 centime copper coin is a circulating coin from the Third Republic period, belonging to the franc system (1795-1959). This coin was designed by Eugène-André Oudiné, with the obverse featuring the head of the Cérès goddess wearing a grain crown, symbolizing the Republic, accompanied by the Republican motto "LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ" (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity); the reverse shows the denomination surrounded by olive branches and the Republican emblem.

This design reflects France's historical transition after the establishment of the Third Republic in 1870, breaking away from imperial rule and emphasizing Republican values. The Cérès goddess, as a symbol of agriculture and abundance, also embodies the agricultural economic foundation and Republican ideals of the time. This coin was officially withdrawn from circulation on November 24, 1940, holding significant historical symbolic meaning and witnessing France's social and monetary changes from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.

In terms of mintage, this coin was produced only at the Paris Mint (mint mark A), with a total mintage of 400,000 pieces. There are no special varieties or error coins recorded for 1884, mainly the standard Paris edition. On the market, it is occasionally labeled as "rare," especially for high-grade examples.