A book review
by Serge Pelletier
May 3, 2010 – Monnaies françaises has been France’s bible on republican French coins since it was first published in 1973 by Victor Gadoury, a Canadian military man that became a professional numismatist following his discharged in Germany and who would ultimately set up shop in Monaco. Gadoury passed away in 1994 and the publishing firm was purchased by two of his long-time contributors: Francesco Pastrone and Romolo Vescovi.
Pastrone, Francesco; Monnaies francaises 1789-2009. Editions Victor Gadoury, 19th Edition, 2009. 15 x 21 cm, hardbound, 448 p. with many black and white illustrations. French. ISBN 2-906602-34-5. 29 Euro.
Le Rouge as it is called, contains information of all French coins since 1789 presented in chronological order by denomination (smallest to largest). This information includes: metal, fineness, weight, diameter, edge, engraver and privy marks. Mintage figures are provided by date and mint mark for each denomination, with the current values in euro for five grades.
Also includes obsidional coinage for the sieges of Mainz and Antwerp and special sections on commemorative coins, coins of Monaco (1819-2009), coins of Corsica (1736, 1762-68), coins of Saarland (1954-55), and a detailed illustrated guide for all privy marks.
Published on odd years, this high quality book is well worth the investment for all interested in the subject.
For more information or to order, please contact the Éditions Victor Gadoury at 57, rue Grimaldi, 98000 Monaco. Email: contact@gadoury.com. Website: www.gadoury.com.