Monaco 100-FRANCS (KM133)¶
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Reverse: HORSE with Knight
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Obverse: Prince Rainier III
- Composition
- Copper-nickel
- Country
- Monaco
- Approx. Size
- 30mm
- Area
- Europe
- Animal Class
- Mammals
- Species
- Horse
- KM#
- 133
In 1950, Monaco issued a small series of coins including two with a knight on horseback. Prince Rainer III held at least 11 different Knight Grand Cross titles, so perhaps that is the significance of the knight on this coin. I am pretty sure it doesn't relate to the beginning of his family's 700 year rule of Monaco, since that was achieved by Francesco Grimaldi dressing as a Franciscan monk to sneakily capture the fortress back in 1297.
Monaco¶
- Area
- Europe
Monaco is an interesting city-state on the shore of the Mediterranean, surrounded by its neighbour France, who takes responsibility for its defence. A constitutional monarchy with just over 30,000 inhabitants, Monaco has been ruled by the House of Grimaldi since 1297. Today the country is known for tourism and its casino. The citizens are not allowed to gamble at the casino themselves, but they also do not have to pay any income tax. Combine the nice climate and scenery with the tax haven and you end up with a playground for the wealthy.
