1987 France 100 Francs Gold Coin - La Fayette Bicentennial
Coin (Commemorative Bullion) · Yellow Gold (standard historical 22K alloy with copper/silver)
Purity: 920/1000 Fineness (22.08 Karat Gold); contains 92% pure gold
Type
Coin (Commemorative Bullion)
Purity
920/1000 Fineness (22.08 Karat Gold); contains 92% pure gold
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (standard historical 22K alloy with copper/silver)
Weight
17.00 grams (contains 0.503 troy oz actual gold weight)
Description
A stunning 100 Francs gold coin commemorating the bicentennial of the French Constitution and the Marquis de La Fayette. The reverse features the French national motto 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ' in an stylized, avant-garde typographic layout designed by Durand-Megret.
Key Features
Stylized Phrygian cap at the top; architectural typography; specific 'NY' stylized monogram above the 100F denomination
Color & Finish
Rich Yellow; Proof-like or Uncirculated finish with mirrored fields and frosted relief
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '100 F' (Face Value), '1987', and Cornucopia (Paris Mint mark); features the engraver's name DURAND-MEGRET
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm diameter; approximately 2.0 mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None; relief-struck precious metal with typographic and symbolic artistic elements
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; reeded edge and circular rim construction
Chain & Links
Standard reeded edge (vertical grooves) common on high-value gold coinage
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck with high-pressure dies; features deep engraving and clean vertical edges with precise spacing in the modernist lettering
Authentication Indicators
Distinctive Paris Mint cornucopia mark; sharp strike on the '1987' numerals; correct 31mm diameter profile; specific Durand-Megret signature on the right rim
Origin & Maker
France; Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint)
Era & Period
Contemporary French Republic (Late 20th Century Modernist Design)
Age Estimate
Issued 1987; approximately 37 years old
Cultural Significance
Celebrates the Enlightenment ideals shared between France and America during the revolutionary period, specifically honoring the 'Hero of Two Worlds', La Fayette
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent (Choice Uncirculated); slight surface hairlines visible, typical for semi-numismatic gold kept in non-capsule storage
Value Estimate
Value tracked to 0.503 x spot gold price plus a 5-10% collector premium; approximately $1,100 - $1,300 depending on daily gold market
Care & Maintenance
Store in a PVC-free air-tight capsule; avoid touching faces with bare fingers to prevent oil transfers; do not polish to preserve numismatic value
Similar Items
1989 French Revolution Bicentennial Gold 100 Francs; 1986 Statue of Liberty Commemorative Gold coins
Interesting Facts
While it has a face value of 100 Francs, it has never circulated as currency and was sold specifically as a store of value and collector's piece