French 100 Francs Gold Coin (Ceres/Pantheon Design)
Coin (Bullion/Numismatic) · Yellow Gold (Traditional alloy mixed with copper for durability)
Purity: 900 Fine (90% Gold, 10% Copper), roughly equivalent to 21.6 Karat
Type
Coin (Bullion/Numismatic)
Purity
900 Fine (90% Gold, 10% Copper), roughly equivalent to 21.6 Karat
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (Traditional alloy mixed with copper for durability)
Weight
32.25 grams (0.9334 troy ounces of actual gold weight)
Description
An exquisite and historically rich French 100 Francs gold coin featuring the iconic head of Ceres crowned with wheat and corn, symbolizing the French Republic. Designed by the renowned medalist Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse and engraved by Jean-Jacques Barre, this large-format European gold piece is heavily sought after by both numismatists and bullion investors alike due to its substantial gold content and classic French artistry.
Key Features
Large diameter, high gold weight, iconic Ceres head facing left surrounded by rays, classic Latin Monetary Union specifications, and historic Parisian minting heritage
Color & Finish
Classic warm yellow gold with a high-luster strike and satin-like fields
Hallmarks & Stamps
Designer signature 'BARRE' visible at the base of the truncation; mint marks and edge lettering typically present depending on the exact year of issue
Dimensions Estimate
35 mm diameter, standard size specification for 100 Francs gold coins
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; housed in a protective acrylic coin capsule
Chain & Links
Not applicable; coin edge is typically reeded or features inscribed lettering
Craftsmanship Details
Struck using high-pressure coin presses with meticulously hand-engraved master dies, featuring high relief, sharp edge reeding, and precise alloy composition for maximum wear resistance
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and weight specifications, precise lettering of 'REPUBLIQUE FRANCAISE', crisp strike details on the wreath and hair braids, typical coin edge markings for authentic nineteenth-century French gold coinage
Origin & Maker
Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris), France
Era & Period
Third French Republic / Latin Monetary Union era
Age Estimate
Mid to late 19th century (circa 1878-1914)
Cultural Significance
Represents the stability and economic might of nineteenth-century France, embodying republican ideals and agricultural wealth through the allegorical figure of Ceres
Condition Notes
Well-preserved specimen with sharp details on the hair and facial features, minimal surface marks, protected inside a modern acrylic capsule, graded as Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated
Value Estimate
Valued primarily on its melt value plus a numismatic premium determined by condition, rarity of the year, and precious metals market spot prices
Care & Maintenance
Store securely inside its protective acrylic capsule to avoid scratches and fingerprint oils; never clean the coin, as harsh cleaning destroys numismatic value
Similar Items
French 20 Francs Gold Napoleon, Swiss 20 Francs Vreneli, British Sovereign, and Austro-Hungarian 4 Ducats
Interesting Facts
Minted under the Latin Monetary Union regulations, France and its allies standardized their gold and silver coin weights so they could freely circulate across member borders. The Ceres motif became a powerful symbol of the French Second Republic and Third Republic.