1987 French 100 Francs La Fayette Commemorative Coin (Silver/Gold Plated Alternative)
Coin (Commemorative/Numismatic) · Yellow gold plating over a silver base. The original issuing mint did not produce a standard gold-circulating version of this design; however, private companies often plate silver commemoratives.
Purity: Non-solid gold. The standard 100 Francs 1987 La Fayette is 0.900 Fine Silver (90% silver, 10% copper). Any gold color visible would be a thin gold plating (Gold Vermeil or Gold Wash) under 1 micron thick.
Type
Coin (Commemorative/Numismatic)
Purity
Non-solid gold. The standard 100 Francs 1987 La Fayette is 0.900 Fine Silver (90% silver, 10% copper). Any gold color visible would be a thin gold plating (Gold Vermeil or Gold Wash) under 1 micron thick.
Gold Type
Yellow gold plating over a silver base. The original issuing mint did not produce a standard gold-circulating version of this design; however, private companies often plate silver commemoratives.
Weight
15.00 grams (standard for the 100 Francs silver issue). It contains approx 0.434 troy oz of actual silver weight.
Description
A 1987 French 100 Francs commemorative coin celebrating the bicentennial of the Marquis de La Fayette's role in the American Revolution. The reverse features the French motto in stylized, modernist block lettering emerging from a symbolic tree trunk/column. The surface shows significant dark toning and environmental damage consistent with silver oxidation.
Key Features
Modernist typographic design of the French motto; prominent '100F' denomination; unique vertical line design elements at the base; 200th anniversary of La Fayette significance.
Color & Finish
The original finish was a Satin/Brilliant Uncirculated strike. The current piece shows heavy oxidation/tarnish (patina) with suspicious dark spotting, suggesting the base metal is silver-copper or silver-nickel reacting to environmental factors.
Hallmarks & Stamps
'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' (French national motto), '100F' (Denomination), '1987' (Date). Cornucopia mint mark for Monnaie de Paris and the dolphin privy mark for the engraver Rousseau.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 31.0 mm; Thickness: 2.1 mm. Standard French 100 Franc base metal/silver sizing.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a struck metal coin without decorative stones or enamel.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (Coin). The edge is reeded (milled) to prevent clipping or debasement.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The item has a standard reeded edge profile characteristic of modern French commemoratives.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck at high pressure. The design shows 1980s-era French modernism with sharp angles and sans-serif influences. The strike quality was originally very high before environmental degradation.
Authentication Indicators
Valid Monnaie de Paris mint marks; correct typography for the Rousseau design. The 'gold' appearance is highly unlikely to be solid gold as no 15g 100F gold version exists with these dimensions; it is almost certainly plated silver.
Origin & Maker
France; Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint). Designed by Emile Rousseau.
Era & Period
Modern Contemporary (Late 20th Century). Issued during the Fifth French Republic.
Age Estimate
Dated 1987; exactly 37 years old as of current assessment.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Auld Alliance' and French-American friendship. It serves as a physical manifestation of Enlightenment ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.
Condition Notes
Poor/Heavily Tarnished. The coin shows massive oxidation (black/gray scaling) and surface pitting. Not graded in current state; would be classified as 'Environmental Damage' by numismatic services like PCGS or NGC.
Value Estimate
Primarily melt value of the silver content (approx $10-$15 USD depending on spot price). As a plated/damaged item, it carries virtually no numismatic premium or gold-content value.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use harsh abrasives on the dark tarnish as it will strip any remaining gold plating. Use a professional silver-dip if the base is silver, but note that the numismatic value is largely lost due to the current condition. Store in an airtight PVC-free flip.
Similar Items
1987 Proof 100 Francs (High shine version); 1989 French Revolution Bicentennial 100 Francs; 1986 Statue of Liberty 100 Francs.
Interesting Facts
The coin commemorates the Marquis de La Fayette, a hero of both the American and French Revolutions. This specific design was meant to bridge French republican values with 18th-century diplomatic history.