former french coin crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "former french coin crossword clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "former french coin crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SOU: A historical French coin of low value, frequently appearing in crosswords for its brevity and historical context.
ECU: A historic French coin, derived from the Latin 'scutum' meaning shield, referring to the shield emblem on the coin.
5 Letters
FRANC: The primary currency of France from the late 18th century until its replacement by the Euro in 2002. A very common crossword answer.
LOUIS: Refers to the Louis d'or, a French gold coin first introduced by King Louis XIII in 1640. It was a significant coin in French monetary history.
6 Letters
DENIER: An ancient French coin, part of the Carolingian monetary system, used during the medieval period.
More About "former french coin crossword clue"
The history of French coinage is rich and complex, offering a fascinating glimpse into the nation's economic and political evolution. Crossword clues referencing "former french coin" often test solvers' knowledge of these historical denominations, from the widely known Franc to more ancient units like the Sou or Denier.
The Franc, for instance, holds a prominent place, having served as France's official currency for over two centuries before the adoption of the Euro. Its enduring legacy makes it a popular choice for puzzle setters. Similarly, the Sou, a smaller denomination, evokes a sense of bygone eras and is often used metaphorically for small sums of money.
Other notable coins like the Louis d'or (often simply "LOUIS" in puzzles) and the Écu (frequently "ECU") represent significant periods of French monarchy and economic power. Understanding these terms not only helps in solving crosswords but also enriches one's general knowledge of European history and numismatics.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required for the answer. For "former french coin", if you have 5 letters, FRANC or LOUIS are strong candidates. If it's 3 letters, SOU or ECU are more likely.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While "FRANC" is the most common answer for a former French coin, don't forget less common but still valid historical coins like "SOU," "LOUIS," or "ECU," especially if the letter count doesn't match "FRANC."
- Check Cross-References: Use intersecting words to confirm your answer. If your proposed "FRANC" fits horizontally but creates impossible vertical words, reconsider your choice and try another former French coin.
- Utilize Historical Context: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can hint at whether a more recent coin like the Franc is needed, or an older, medieval coin like the Denier.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Franc and when was it used?
The Franc was the official currency of France from 1795 until 2002, when it was replaced by the Euro. It had a long and rich history, originating during the French Revolution.
Why are old coin names common in crosswords?
Old coin names, like 'FRANC' or 'SOU', are common in crosswords because they are concise, widely recognized historical terms that fit well into various grid patterns. They often serve as perfect solutions for clues related to history, finance, or geography.
What other historical French coins might appear in puzzles?
Besides the Franc and Sou, other historical French coins that frequently appear in crosswords include the 'LOUIS' (Louis d'or), 'ECU' (Écu), and sometimes 'DENIER' or 'LIVRE'.