What is an antique French coin called?

The name of an antique French coin depends on the time period in which the coin was produced. Prior to adopting the euro in 2002, French coins were known as francs. The franc first appeared in 1360 and originally circulated until 1380.

The franc reappeared in 1575 and was the dominant form of French currency until the appearance of the euro. In the 15th century, a fraction of a franc was known as a sou coin. In addition to sou coins and francs, deniers and doubles were also struck and issued by the royal mint. When the country went from the sou denominations of currency to decimals, the centime was introduced.