In the late 20th and early 21st century to replace many European currencies came euros.This currency ceased to exist, the history of which lasted for centuries.Among them is the French currency - the franc.It lasted no less than two centuries, and the history of the French currency has slightly more than 640 years.
olden
distinctive feature of the franc can be considered that the name of it is not tied to any measure weights.From the outset, the franc as the monetary unit existed.Year of the appearance it can be considered in 1360.The national currency France got its name after his release from captivity of the English king of France John II.First Franc also called "horse" on the obverse of the coin was a horseman (king) on a horse.At the time of its introduction franc equated livres Tournois - coin that existed for nearly a century and serve as a means of payment across the country.Franks first issued only 20 years, but a means of payment for another four and a half centuries served livres, but due to the immense popularity they already were called Franks.The second birth of their currency of France won in 1575-m, when the turnover came silver francs.
era of change
finally secured franc as the base currency of the state after the overthrow of the monarchy, the same has been fixed decimal currency (crushing franc hundred centimes).This new money was issued almost eight years after the Revolution, under Napoleon Bonaparte.They are, surprisingly, kept their value nearly a century, until 1903.During the 19th century the French currency has undergone many changes of forms of government.In the second half of the century Belgium and Switzerland have established their own Franks, based on the French.A little later, it was created the Latin Monetary Union.This was the first attempt to create the first inter-state currency on the continent.The basis of the Union laid down, as the most stable currency in France.Before the euro was almost half a century.In connection with the outbreak of World many European countries, and France in particular, refused to provide the gold franc.At that time, military expenditures were offset by the market launch of new funds.All this had an impact on the franc - for the period from 1915 to 1921 the purchasing power it fell by almost 70%.In the future, the franc continued to fall in price.And then came the Second World War.And in the occupied country as a cash occupying walked brand.Of course, their rate was significantly overstated.
Postwar Franc
In 1960 in France, led by Charles de Gaulle, was held denomination.Again, a new franc equal to one hundred old.It is not difficult to calculate that the old one is now equal Franc centimes.In fact, for nearly two years and it was, exactly up to that time, had not yet been coined new centimes.But in 1979 there is an event that influenced the fate of the franc.France joined the European monetary system.Actually, the French currency to the euro has not been able to dial past heights.The purchasing power of the franc in 1999 dropped eight times compared to 1960.Surprisingly, we can assume this: in spite of everything, the new franc lasted four decades, many residents of the state until the transition to the single European currency are converted at the old price of the Franks.
Frank gone, the franc remained
First January 1999 the franc was replaced by the European single currency.The former currency of France and even disappeared from circulation, but remained in the countries that have ever worked closely with her.And this applies not only to Overseas France, where up to now the currency for the calculation is the French Pacific Franc.Until recently, the world has more than twenty varieties of francs.So, the Swiss currency remained independent.The Swiss franc also goes to Liechtenstein.And in Africa, as many as 14 states whose currency is the CFA franc, and its six independent Franks.However, the currency has remained in the hearts of the French population.Merchants one of the towns have organized trade of various goods for the Franks, and to the city from across the country flew buyers.However, it lasted not long, in the end of February 2012 to exchange the French franc to the euro became impossible.The French franc was gone, leaving their mark on the history of the country and the world.
