This golden coin was minted in 1899 in the mint of Paris, as the little letter A above the date indicates. The obverse depicts the head of the Greek goddess Ceres. She was the goddess of fertility, which is symbolized by the ears and oak leaves in her hair. Behind Ceres' head is a little fasces. This is an antique symbol, too – it dates back to the time of the Roman Republic. And for the republic it stands indeed: The tied up rods symbolize strength through unison. The little hand with the oath finger craning out of the bundle signifies the oath on the republican constitution of France.