Monaco, 1956 AD., Rainier III, Paris mint, 100 Francs, KM 134.
Monaco, Rainier III (prince de Monaco 1949-2005), engraver: Henri Lagriffoul (obverse), Paris mint, 1956 AD.,
100 Francs (ø 24 mm / 5,97 g), copper-nickel, 6,00 g. theor. mint weight, mintage 500.000 , axis coin alignment ↑↓ (180°), reeded edge,
Obv.: RAINIER III PRINCE DE MONACO / LAGRIFFOUL / 1956 , his head facing left, engraver´s name and date r. below.
Rev.: DEO - JUVANTE / 100 FRANCS , crowned arms of the Grimaldis, value below, motto above (the Grimaldi motto, Deo Juvante, is Latin for "With God's help"); two privy marks cornucopia (left) and wing (right) flanking arms.
KM 134 ; Gad. MC143 .
Year / Mintage
1956 / 500.000
The motto, Deo Juvante, dates back to Lambert Grimaldi d'Antibes (1420-1494). Lamberto Grimaldi was Lord of Monaco from 16 March 1458. He was married to his cousin Claudine Grimaldi in 1465 to secure the Grimaldi inheritance of Monaco that by the small state's constitution could only pass to male heirs. Lamberto was of the branch of the Grimaldi family which had settled in Antibes while Claudia was of the more powerful Monaco branch.
Lamberto assumed the reins of power in Monaco at a difficult time in its often vulnerable history. Lamberto fought to preserve Monaco's independence, and is said to have "handled diplomacy and the sword with equal talent". He also established the Grimaldi motto "With God's help."