# Monegasque franc

> currency

**Wikidata**: [Q1047040](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1047040)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monégasque_franc)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/monegasque-franc

## Summary
The Monegasque franc was the official currency of Monaco from March 7, 1837, until it was replaced by the euro on January 1, 2002. It was a subdivision of the franc and was used alongside the French franc at a 1:1 exchange rate. The currency is notable for its historical role in Monaco's economy and its unique banknotes and coins.

## Key Facts
- **Active Period**: Circulated from March 7, 1837, to January 1, 2002.
- **Replacement**: Replaced by the euro (2002) and previously linked to the French franc (1995).
- **Country**: Solely used in Monaco.
- **Exchange Rate**: Pegged 1:1 with the French franc.
- **Subunit**: Divided into 100 centimes.
- **ISO Code**: MCF (though not officially an ISO 4217 code).
- **Banknotes and Coins**: Issued by the Monégasque government, featuring unique designs distinct from French currency.
- **Final Year**: 2002, when euro adoption occurred.
- **Start Date**: Established on March 7, 1837.
- **End Date**: Officially withdrawn in 2002.
- **Aliases**: Known as "Franco de Mónaco" (Spanish), "Monegassischer Franken" (German), and "モナコ・フラン" (Japanese).
- **Wikidata Sitelinks**: Documented in 27 Wikipedia language editions.
- **Wikipedia Title**: "Monégasque franc" with multilingual coverage.
- **Freebase ID**: `/m/0d2c29`.
- **Image**: Featured a 1978 1-franc coin reverse design.
- **Value**: 1 Monegasque franc equaled 0.152449 euros.
- **Classification**: Subclass of "franc" and instance of "currency".

## FAQs
**When was the Monegasque franc in circulation?**  
The Monegasque franc was used from March 7, 1837, until January 1, 2002, when it was replaced by the euro.

**How did the Monegasque franc relate to the French franc?**  
It was pegged 1:1 to the French franc and circulated alongside it, especially after 1995.

**What made Monegasque currency unique?**  
Its banknotes and coins featured distinct Monégasque designs, differentiating them from French francs despite the fixed exchange rate.

**Why was the Monegasque franc discontinued?**  
It was replaced by the euro as part of Monaco's adoption of the Eurozone currency, following France's transition.

**What denominations existed?**  
Coins and banknotes were issued in various denominations, including 1 franc and 100 centimes subunits.

## Why It Matters
The Monegasque franc symbolized Monaco's economic sovereignty and historical ties to France. Its 165-year circulation period reflects Monaco's unique political and financial relationship with neighboring countries. The currency's replacement by the euro marked a significant shift in Monaco's economic integration with the European Union. Understanding the Monegasque franc provides insight into the principality's monetary policy and cultural identity.

## Notable For
- **Unique Design**: Featured national symbols and monarchic elements on its banknotes and coins.
- **Fixed Parity**: Maintained a 1:1 exchange rate with the French franc for much of its history.
- **Euro Transition**: One of several European currencies replaced by the euro in 2002.
- **Limited Circulation**: Primarily used within Monaco despite legal tender status in France.
- **Historical Longevity**: Circulated for over 160 years, adapting to economic changes until euro adoption.

## Body

### Historical Context
The Monegasque franc was introduced on **March 7, 1837**, as Monaco's official currency. It operated under a fixed exchange rate with the French franc, reflecting Monaco's close economic ties to France. This relationship was formalized in 1995, leading to the eventual adoption of the euro in 2002.

### Economic Role
- **Subunit**: Divided into 100 centimes, aligning with the French franc's structure.
- **ISO Code**: Though not an official ISO 4217 code, "MCF" was commonly used.
- **Banknotes and Coins**: Issued by the Monégasque government, these featured unique designs, such as the 1978 1-franc coin depicting Monaco's coat of arms.

### Replacement and Legacy
- **Euro Adoption**: The Monegasque franc was withdrawn in 2002, replaced by the euro at a rate of 1 euro = 6.55957 francs.
- **Collectibility**: Many Monegasque coins and banknotes are now collector's items, preserving the currency's historical significance.

### Cultural and Technical Specifications
- **Aliases**: Known in multiple languages, including Spanish ("Franco de Mónaco"), German ("Monegassischer Franken"), and Japanese ("モナコ・フラン").
- **Digital Representation**: Featured in Wikimedia Commons and documented across 27 Wikipedia languages.
- **Value Conversion**: 1 Monegasque franc equaled approximately 0.152449 euros, reflecting its final exchange rate.

### Related Entities and Classifications
- **Subclass Of**: Classified as a type of "franc" and an instance of "currency" in taxonomic systems.
- **Freebase and Wikidata**: Identified by Freebase ID `/m/0d2c29` and detailed in Wikidata with 27 sitelinks.
- **Start and End Dates**: Officially circulated from 1837 to 2002, with historical references in Italian Wikipedia and beyond.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Source](https://www.monacomania.com/monnaie-de-monaco/)