French Five Centimes (small) Marked "Republique Francais" Hole in center The Centime unit was used as the unit coin in many French speaking countries (including France for its Franc prior to the adoption of the Euro in 2002). On display is one French five-centime coin manufactured in 1919. The coin is holed, which would most likely indicate that the coins were most likely strung together to be kept together without losing track. The front side of the coin contains a large RF with a wreath surrounding it. The reverse side of the coin contains the phrase, "Liberte Egalite Fraternite," (meaning, "Liberty Equals Brotherhood") with a large 5C in the middle and the date inscribed on the bottom.