France 10-FRANCS (KM915.1)¶
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Reverse ROOSTER
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Obverse Republic of France (allegorical figure)
- Composition
- Aluminum-Bronze
- Country
- France
- Approx. Size
- 20mm
- Area
- Europe
- Animal Class
- Birds
- Species
- Rooster
- KM#
- 915
'Gallus' is latin for both "rooster" and "inhabitant of Gaul" (recall that ancient Gaul occupied the same area as present day France). The rooster appeared on ancient coins, and was a religious symbol in the middle ages. During the Renaissance the rooster became closely associated with the developing nation of France. Its position was solidified during WWII. For more info on the Gallic Rooster, click HERE.
France¶
- Area
- Europe
France is a founding member of both the United Nations and the European Union. With a territory stretching from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel, it is the largest country in the European Union, and the fifth largest economy on earth. The area of France is very close the area of ancient Gaul. This same area was ruled by Charlemagne's descendents from 843 to 987. After that, a series of dynasties consolidated and strengthened the area until it reached its peak in the 17th century under the reign of Louis XIV. Louis -- the Sun King -- reigned over France for 72 years (1643-1715). Actually, he was four years old at the start, so he didn't really get going until after his 21st birthday, but he made up for lost time by consolidating his power by reducing the power of others, including the church and the nobility. Louis' extravagances, along with a series of costly wars, started the slide from the peak that finally brought the monarchy to an end with the French Revolution in 1792. Only seven years into the First Republic, Napoleon came on the scene and siezed power not only of France but many of its neighbours. It would take until 1815 to put him down. France then tried monarchy again, and went through a series of Republics and two world wars before arriving at the present day Fifth Republic founded by Charles de Gaulle in 1958. Since then, France has helped strengthen and unify Europe, particularly through its reconciliation and cooperation with Germany, although these goals were set back in 2005 when French citizens voted against the European Constitution.
