FRENCH INDO-CHINA, 5 Cents, 1946
Paris - Pattern - Aluminum - PCGS - MS(64)
Sold
Indochine, 5 Cent, 1946, Pattern, Graded PCGS SP64, Lecompte 126.
Bust of Marianne, head right, holding a laurel branch in her right hand.
Rice plants.
Pattern, Graded PCGS SP64
Aluminum
This common metal’s name comes from the Latin alumen meaning alum. Aluminum is a light metal with a bright and silvery appearance. Its use in its natural form is actually a recent development, as the procedure for extracting aluminum from bauxite was only perfected in the 19th century.
It is not frequently used for coins, with the exception of small denominations (centimes and other cents), because it is easier to find during periods of shortages or crisis. It is also used for tokens, emergency money, small coins, and certain medals.
A malleable medal, it has a great affinity towards oxygen and forms a protective layer of oxide on the surface when exposed to air.