1987 France 100 Francs La Fayette Commemorative
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative) · None. The item exhibits a silver-white base color with significant dark grey/black oxidation (toning/tarnish) consistent with aged silver bullion.
Purity: Not Applicable (Silver Coin). This item is composed of .900 fine silver, meaning it contains 90% silver and 10% copper. It is not a gold item.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative)
Purity
Not Applicable (Silver Coin). This item is composed of .900 fine silver, meaning it contains 90% silver and 10% copper. It is not a gold item.
Gold Type
None. The item exhibits a silver-white base color with significant dark grey/black oxidation (toning/tarnish) consistent with aged silver bullion.
Weight
15 grams (Total weight), containing approximately 0.434 troy oz of pure silver.
Description
A French commemorative 100 Francs coin honoring the Marquis de La Fayette. The reverse features the national motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' arranged in the shape of a tree, reflecting modern French numismatic art of the 1980s.
Key Features
Stylized 'Tree of Liberty' text design; commemorative of the American and French Revolutionary hero La Fayette; struck in .900 silver.
Color & Finish
Naturally toned silver with a 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' tree design; the surface shows heavy dark grey patina and splotchy oxidation typical of silver stored in a high-sulfur environment.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '100F' for denomination and '1987' for year of issue. Features the Monnaie de Paris mint marks (cornucopia and dolphin symbols for the engraver and director).
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm in diameter, 2.3 mm thick (Standard specifications for this French issue).
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a struck metal currency/commemorative piece.
Clasp & Closure
None. The coin features a reeded edge (milled edge) for security and tactile identification.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The edge is reeded (grooved).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck by the Monnaie de Paris. The design is modern, featuring clean sans-serif typography on a frosted background with a high-relief central motif.
Authentication Indicators
Weight (15g), diameter (31mm), and specific alignment of mint marks are consistent with genuine Monnaie de Paris strikes. Lack of gold color confirms it is the silver version produced for circulation/commemoration.
Origin & Maker
France; struck at the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint).
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th Century). Specifically the Fifth Republic of France.
Age Estimate
Issued in 1987 (37 years old as of 2024).
Cultural Significance
Represents the historical bond between France and the United States, utilizing the 'Tree of Liberty' motif which has been a symbol of the French Republic since 1792.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface oxidation and tarnish are present. Details remain sharp, suggesting the coin has not been heavily circulated, but the environmental damage affects eye appeal.
Value Estimate
Melt value approximately $12-$15 USD depending on spot silver; Numismatic value in this condition is roughly $15-$20 USD.
Care & Maintenance
Do not aggressively polish or dip in acid as it removes the original mint luster. Store in a PVC-free plastic capsule or archival flip to prevent further tarnish.
Similar Items
The 100 Francs Panthéon (90% silver), the 100 Francs Marie Curie, or the 100 Francs Delacroix. These are often confused with gold piedforts or gold proof versions which have much higher values.
Interesting Facts
While this looks like a bullion coin, it was technically legal tender in France until the adoption of the Euro. It celebrates the bicentennial of the friendship between the US and France.