sovrans

A sovran is a former currency of Monaco. It was introduced in 1837 and remained in circulation until 1994, being replaced by the French franc. The sovran was subdivided into 100 centimes. Its design featured portraits of the ruling Grimaldi family. The monetary unit was pegged to the French franc from its inception. While no longer legal tender, sovran coins can still be found in numismatic collections.

The etymology of the word "sovran" is derived from the French word "souverain," meaning sovereign, reflecting Monaco's status as a principality. Throughout its history, the sovran maintained a stable exchange rate against its French counterpart, contributing to Monaco's economic integration with France. The introduction of the euro in 2002 ultimately replaced the French franc and, by extension, the legacy of the sovran in the Monegasque economy.