Franc

Franc

1 Swiss franc 1983 obverse

1 Swiss franc 1983 reverse

1 French franc 1991 coin obverse

1 French franc 1991 coin reverse

1 Monaco franc 1978 coin obverse

1 Monaco franc 1978 coin reverse

100 Saar francs reverse and obverse

5 Belgian franc 1994 coin reverse

The franc is any of various units of currency. One franc is typically divided into 100 centimes. The name is said to derive from the Latin inscription francorum rex (King of the Franks) used on early French coins and until the 18th century, or from the French franc, meaning "frank" (and "free" in certain contexts, such as coup franc, "free kick").

The countries that use francs today include Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and most of Francophone Africa. The Swiss franc is a major world currency today due to the prominence of Swiss financial institutions.

Before the introduction of the euro in 1999, francs were also used in France, Belgium and Luxembourg, while Andorra and Monaco accepted the French franc as legal tender (Monégasque franc). The franc was also used in French colonies including Algeria and Cambodia. The franc is sometimes Italianised or Hispanicised as the franco, for instance in Luccan franco.