Monaco, Rainier III, 10 Francs
1974 - MDP - série FDC - Copper-Nickel-Aluminum
10 gr.
Cupronickel aluminum
Cupronickel (or copper-nickel) aluminum is an alloy comprising (as you may have guessed) copper, nickel, and aluminum. These days, cupronickel is extremely popular and a firm favorite for use in coins. From time to time, small quantities of third metals such as zinc, tin, and, in this case, aluminum are added, which help to boost its great resistance to mechanical wear even further.
The addition of aluminum to copper and nickel gives coins an appealing golden shine, easily recognizable, for example, in certain French centimes engraved by Lagriffoul in the 20th century, but also in trial coins. Depending on the proportions, the hue may also tend towards silver with golden yellow highlights.
The alloy is also very de rigueur for tourist tokens in France.
An “MS(65-70)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Mint State(65-70)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin is brand new and free from defects, thus in the state it left the mint. It has probably never been in circulation or seen the bottom of a pocket up close. The term “fleur de coin” is also used internationally to refer to the first coins struck with a new die. By extension, this term thus also now describes “perfect” coins not displaying any defects and retaining their full original luster.
