I have an unusual 1 Franc piece, dated 1944, which is similar in composition (copper-aluminium color), weight (4.0 grams) and diameter (23 mm) to the 1 Franc KM 885 coins minted from 1931 to 1941. Attached are photos of the obverse and reverse (date side), as well as photos of the weight and diameter measurements. There is no mint mark, suggesting the coin may have been minted in Paris. Aside from the date, there are other characteristics that differ from other KM 885 coins. On the reverse, there is no cornucopia (la corne d'abondance) privy mark to the left of the date nor an engraver's mark to the right of the date, as are found on both KM 885 and KM 885a coins (from all mints). The engraver's mark for this date would presumably be the bird wing (aile d'oiseau) of Lucien Bazor. (The absence of the privy and engraver marks is similar to the 50 centimes 1939 KM 894.2 minted in Brussels, but those coins have the circled-B Brussels mint mark.) On the obverse, there is no designer's name (MORLON) as appear on the KM 885 and KM 885a coins. (The 50 centimes 1939 KM 894.2 minted in Brussels does have the MORLON lettering.)
I put the grade at something like very fine, and it does appear to have been in circulation. The absence of the privy, engraver, and designer features seem (to me) to be the most unusual characteristics. Any assistance in further identifying this coin would be most welcome.
