Year / Mint Mark / Mintage
Avant 1832 : sans Poinçon
ND (1841-1842) Poinçon Ancre
ND (1832 – 1841) Poinçoin Lampe
ND (1860-1879) Poincon Abeille
ND (1845-1860) Poinçon Main
Après 1880 Poinçon : (corne) 1ARGENT
Wording possibly taken from the Art of War; a Poem in six books from 1782; the passage "wisdom fixes fortune's transient flight". Year VIII (or 1800 AD.) is not the date of striking, but the date of opening of the bank. The Banque de France was created on January 18, 1800 as a limited partnership by shares, with traders and bankers and with the support of Bonaparte. Its goal was to restore confidence in the currency to promote economic recovery. It issues note payable on sight and bearer in consideration for the discount of commercial paper in Paris. In 1803, she obtained the exclusive privilege of issuing notes. A governor has been in charge since 1806. Since 1808, she has branches. It is reorganized in 1936 with a General Assembly and in 1945, it is nationalized. Since 1999 it has been part of the European system of central banks.