1986 France 100 Francs Statue of Liberty Centennial Silver Piedfort
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative), Piedfort Strike · None (Solid .900 Silver). The metal exhibits a cool, metallic silver tone with visible darkened surface oxidation (tarnish/patina) consistent with aged silver alloys.
Purity: None - 0% (Silver .900 Alloy). This is a silver coin, not a gold item. To clarify for a gold enthusiast, it contains 90% silver and 10% copper. There is no gold content in this specific 1986 100 Francs issue.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative), Piedfort Strike
Purity
None - 0% (Silver .900 Alloy). This is a silver coin, not a gold item. To clarify for a gold enthusiast, it contains 90% silver and 10% copper. There is no gold content in this specific 1986 100 Francs issue.
Gold Type
None (Solid .900 Silver). The metal exhibits a cool, metallic silver tone with visible darkened surface oxidation (tarnish/patina) consistent with aged silver alloys.
Weight
30.0 grams. As a Piedfort (double thickness) strike, it is double the weight of the standard 15g circulation-style issue. Value is driven by numismatic rarity rather than melt weight.
Description
An avant-garde numismatic piece celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. The design breaks from traditional portraiture, featuring a stylized Phrygian cap and the French national motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' arranged in a modernistic, architectural font stack above the face value of 100 Francs.
Key Features
Stylized Phrygian cap (Liberty Cap) at the top; architectural typography; double-thickness 'Piedfort' strike; lower date register with '19' and '86' separated by vertical bars.
Color & Finish
Monochromatic silver with a Proof or specimen-like finish. It shows a deep, dark grey/black patina (sulfidation) across the flat fields, with the raised lettering and outlines retaining a lighter metallic silver contrast.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia (Monnaie de Paris mint mark) and a Dolphin (Graveur Général Emile Rousseau's mark) located flanking the date 1986 at the bottom. 'DURAND-MEGRET' designer mark is visible on the right edge.
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm diameter, approximately 4.5 mm thickness (Piedfort double thickness).
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design is purely metallic relief.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge. The coin features a vertical serrated edge pattern typical of higher-denomination French coinage of the era.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; circular coin form with a flat, raised rim to protect the interior design motifs.
Craftsmanship Details
High-pressure strike from the Monnaie de Paris; features clean, sharp lines in the font work and a distinct 'stepped' design language. The alignment of the '100F' and the date register shows high precision typical of French commemorative issues.
Authentication Indicators
Presence of the Monnaie de Paris cornucopia mark; correct 'DURAND-MEGRET' signature; sharp strike quality; characteristic 1980s French minting technology. Note: This item is often mistaken for gold only if gold-plated by a third party, but the original minting is silver.
Origin & Maker
France, Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint). Designed by Durand-Megret.
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th Century). Minimalist/Modernist interpretation of French Republican themes, minted during the statue of liberty centennial (1886-1986).
Age Estimate
38 years old (Produced in 1986).
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes the deep historical alliance between France and the United States, utilizing the Statue of Liberty (a gift from France) as the central theme for the centennial anniversary.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent (Circulated/Handled). The coin shows significant surface oxidation (toning) which is common for .900 silver stored in open air. No major rim dings or deep gouges are visible, but surface micro-scratches are present.
Value Estimate
Secondary market value for the silver Piedfort version typically ranges from $40 to $80 USD depending on the silver spot price and collector demand. Melt value is currently approx. $25 USD.
Care & Maintenance
Do not dip or chemically clean, as this removes the numismatic value of the patina. Store in a PVC-free airtight capsule (Airtite) to prevent further oxidation. Handle only by the edges using cotton gloves.
Similar Items
Standard 1986 100 Francs Silver (15g); 1986 100 Francs Gold version (17g .920 gold—visually yellow); 1986 US Statue of Liberty Commemorative Silver Dollar.
Interesting Facts
The 'Piedfort' tradition dates back to the Middle Ages when thick coins were struck as patterns for mint masters. Today, they are produced in very limited quantities for collectors, often with mintages as low as a few hundred to a few thousand.