1988 France 100 Francs 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' Modern Proof-Like Coin
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative) · Silver-white appearance (Likely .900 Silver or Base Metal). If this were white gold, it would require significant rhodium plating, which is not standard for 1980s French coinage.
Purity: Non-Gold / Potential Silver Alloy. The visual evidence strongly indicates this is NOT a gold item. Standard 100 Francs coins of this 1988 design are typically minted in .900 Silver or Base Metal (Nickel/Copper). Gold versions (900/1000 purity) exist but exhibit a distinct yellow hue completely absent here.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative)
Purity
Non-Gold / Potential Silver Alloy. The visual evidence strongly indicates this is NOT a gold item. Standard 100 Francs coins of this 1988 design are typically minted in .900 Silver or Base Metal (Nickel/Copper). Gold versions (900/1000 purity) exist but exhibit a distinct yellow hue completely absent here.
Gold Type
Silver-white appearance (Likely .900 Silver or Base Metal). If this were white gold, it would require significant rhodium plating, which is not standard for 1980s French coinage.
Weight
15 grams (standard weight for the silver 100 Francs issue)
Description
This is a 1988 French 100 Francs commemorative coin featuring the stylized 'Arbre de la Liberté' (Tree of Liberty) design. The reverse side shown displays the national motto of France: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, stacked in a modern, geometric font. While a gold piedfort version exists in very limited quantities, the color profile of this specific specimen strongly suggests it is the common silver or base-metal circulation/commemorative strike rather than a gold bullion piece.
Key Features
Stylized 'Modern Tree' typography, geometric '100F' denomination at bottom, and vertical bar dividers in the date '19 | | 88'.
Color & Finish
Silver-grey with significant surface oxidation and spotting. The finish is 'Proof-Like' featuring satin-textured raised lettering against a semi-reflective field. Dark 'toning' or tarnish is visible across the surface.
Hallmarks & Stamps
100F (Denomination), 1988 (Date), and the motto 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ'. Edge markings (not visible but standard) typically include the Cornucopia mint mark for the Monnaie de Paris.
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm in diameter; 2.1 mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design is purely numismatic relief.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded or smooth circular edge (Standard for French 100 Francs coinage).
Chain & Links
N/A - Circular coin planchet with raised rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure dies at the Monnaie de Paris. Features sharp, clean linear engraving typical of 1980s French minting technology.
Authentication Indicators
The 'white' tarnish and silver-colored oxidation are major red flags against it being gold. Real gold (even 10K or 14K) would not develop this specific grey/black spotty patina.
Origin & Maker
France; Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint). Designed by Emile Rousseau.
Era & Period
Modern / Fifth Republic France (Contemporary period).
Age Estimate
36 years (Dated 1988).
Cultural Significance
Deeply significant to French identity, representing the ideals of the French Revolution. These 100 Franc coins were often gifted as symbols of national pride before the transition to the Euro in 2002.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Visible surface 'milk spots', heavy fingerprints, and significant oxidation/tarnish. Surface scratches are present in the fields. Not in 'Mint State' or 'Proof' original condition.
Value Estimate
Melt value of silver content (~$10-$15 USD) if silver, or face value/nominal collector value (~$5 USD) if base metal. If it were the rare gold version, value would exceed $1,200, but color rules this out.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives or polish; cleaning numismatic items reduces collector value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Items
1988 Gold 100 Francs (Piedfort), 1988 Silver 100 Francs (Common), and the 1984-1988 Silver 100 Francs Marie Curie or Lafayette commemoratives.
Interesting Facts
The design was created to modernize French currency symbols. The tree represents growth and the roots of the Republic, while the motto has been the official slogan of France since the late 19th century.