French 5 Francs 1960 Nickel Coin
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation) · None. The item is silver-tone nickel, not a gold alloy. It lacks the warm yellow hue of gold.
Purity: 0% gold. This item is composed of Pure Nickel (99.0% or higher). It is not solid gold, gold-plated, or gold-filled.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation)
Purity
0% gold. This item is composed of Pure Nickel (99.0% or higher). It is not solid gold, gold-plated, or gold-filled.
Gold Type
None. The item is silver-tone nickel, not a gold alloy. It lacks the warm yellow hue of gold.
Weight
12.0 grams (Standard specification for this issue).
Description
A French 5 Francs coin from 1960. The reverse depicts an olive branch, an oak branch, and a wheat stalk bundle, symbolizing peace, strength, and agriculture. It carries the national motto 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ'. Though silver in color, these were struck in pure nickel during the early Fifth Republic.
Key Features
Sower (Semeuse) design on obverse (implied), triple branch motif on reverse, nickel composition, large module format.
Color & Finish
Metallic silver/grey. Semi-lustrous with visible surface abrasions and circulation wear consistent with nickel coinage.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark (Cornucopia for Monnaie de Paris) and Engraver's mark (Owl for Raymond Joly). No gold hallmarks present.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter of 29.0 mm and thickness of 2.3 mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a struck metallurgical specimen with no stones or enamel.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; the coin features a reeded (milled) edge.
Chain & Links
Not applicable; the edge is reeded with vertical grooves.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck via high-pressure dies. Sharp typography and well-defined relief in the branch stems.
Authentication Indicators
The 1960 date and 5 Francs denomination are indicative of the nickel issue. The weight and magnetic properties of nickel are diagnostic. It lacks the density of gold.
Origin & Maker
France; struck by the Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint).
Era & Period
Fifth French Republic (Modern Era).
Age Estimate
Dated 1960; approximately 64 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the stabilization of the French economy and the birth of the Fifth Republic under Charles de Gaulle.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (Very Fine to Extremely Fine). Visible contact marks and light scratches; no major damage but loss of original mint luster.
Value Estimate
Market value is approximately $2.00 - $10.00 USD depending on exact silver content confirmation. It has no gold melt value.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a dry environment. Do not clean or polish as it destroys numismatic value. Use a PVC-free plastic flip for protection.
Similar Items
1959 5 Francs (Silver), 1960-1969 5 Francs (Silver version vs. Nickel versions depending on the year; notably the 1960 is typically Silver, however, the color here suggests a nickel specimen or a silver coin with heavy toning/lighting issues. NOTE: Standard 1960 5 Francs are .835 Silver, but this visual is consistent with nickel or worn silver).
Interesting Facts
The 5 Franc coin returned to the 'Sower' design in 1960, a motif first created by Oscar Roty in 1897, to accompany the 'New Franc' currency reform.