1982 French 100 Francs Panthéon Silver-Colored Specimen
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative) · None (Silver/Cupro-nickel Appearance). The item displays a cool metallic white/silver luster typical of silver or silver-plated alloys, rather than the warm yellow associated with gold.
Purity: 0% Null. This item is not gold. The standard 1982 Panthéon 100 Francs was minted in .900 Silver (90% pure silver, 10% copper). It does not contain gold content.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative)
Purity
0% Null. This item is not gold. The standard 1982 Panthéon 100 Francs was minted in .900 Silver (90% pure silver, 10% copper). It does not contain gold content.
Gold Type
None (Silver/Cupro-nickel Appearance). The item displays a cool metallic white/silver luster typical of silver or silver-plated alloys, rather than the warm yellow associated with gold.
Weight
15 grams (Standard weight for the silver 100 Francs issue)
Description
A striking French commemorative coin featuring the Panthéon in Paris. The obverse depicts the neoclassical architecture of the mausoleum with the inscription 'To great men, the grateful homeland.' While visually similar to white gold or platinum, this is a silver-based numismatic item celebrated for its architectural detail and French patriotic symbolism.
Key Features
Architectural depiction of the Panthéon dome and columns; dual mint marks flanking the date; broad rim with industrial-style dash motifs; serif 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE' lettering.
Color & Finish
Silver-white metallic tone with a satin-to-brilliant luster; high-relief strike on the Panthéon building; slight peripheral toning possible; surface displays a frosted appearance on the architecture.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia mint mark (Monnaie de Paris) and the 'Dauphin' Engraver General mark (Émile Rousseau). '1982' date stamp. 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE' and 'AUX GRANDS HOMMES LA PATRIE RECONNAISSANTE' inscriptions.
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm diameter; 2.1 mm thickness (approximate standard specifications)
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a struck metal coin with no decorative stones or enamel.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded/Milled edge. No jewelry clasp; the coin is designed as a standalone currency/commemorative piece.
Chain & Links
N/A. Single solid disc construction with a reeded edge; no chain components.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking; precise depth in the architectural rendering; uniform reeding on the edge; professional Paris Mint finishing typical of the early 1980s special issues.
Authentication Indicators
Correct alignment of the Cornucopia and Dauphin marks; sharp detail in the Panthéon columns; correct font spacing for 1982; metallic color consistent with .900 silver. Red flag: If this were gold, the color would be distinctly yellow; if white gold, it would typically have hallmarks like '750'.
Origin & Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), France. Designed by the workshop of the Graveur Général.
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th Century French Republic). Struck during the presidency of François Mitterrand.
Age Estimate
42 years old (Dated 1982)
Cultural Significance
The Panthéon is a secular mausoleum containing the remains of distinguished French citizens (Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo). This coin celebrates French intellectual and revolutionary heritage.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Extremely Fine (XF) to Uncirculated (UNC) condition. Surface shows minimal circulation wear; high points of the dome remain crisp; minor bag marks may be present on the fields. Grade estimate: MS-60 to MS-63.
Value Estimate
Market value is primarily dictated by silver melt value plus a small numismatic premium. Total estimated value: $15 - $25 USD depending on current silver spot prices.
Care & Maintenance
Handle by the edges only to avoid finger oils; do not clean or polish as this destroys numismatic value; store in a PVC-free airtight capsule or archival flip; keep away from high humidity to prevent sulfur toning.
Similar Items
1982 100 Francs Piedfort (double thickness); 1982 100 Francs Gold Essai (rare gold trial strikes exist but are distinctly yellow gold); 50 Francs Hercules Silver.
Interesting Facts
The 100 Francs Panthéon was the first of the high-denomination silver commemoratives produced in the 1980s by France to encourage public interest in precious metal coinage.