The 1949 50 centimes is the smallest coin in the history of New Caledonia’s franc and a one-year issue: this denomination was struck only in the year the archipelago’s first aluminium series was introduced and was never revived.

The coin weighs less than a gram yet carries medallist Lucien Bazor’s full design. The obverse shows a seated allegorical figure with a torch and a cornucopia, with the legends «REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE» and «UNION FRANÇAISE», a reminder of the French Union of 1946–1958. The reverse features the kagu, the flightless bird that became New Caledonia’s emblem, with «50 CENTIMES» and «NOUVELLE CALEDONIE».

One million were struck at the Paris Mint. The 1 and 2 francs of the same design came out the same year, 1949, and a 5 franc followed in 1952.

For a type collection it is the obligatory starting point of the New Caledonia series. VF-AU grade: the high points of the relief show wear ranging from noticeable (VF) to barely visible (AU), while the main details and legends read clearly.

This coin is one of the items in the VPcoins catalogue, which brings together commemorative, circulation and bullion coins from around the world.