France 1986 100 Francs Silver Bullion Coin (Commemorative)
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative) · None. The item is silver with a natural metallic gray patina. No gold alloy is present.
Purity: 0% gold. This is a .900 silver coin. In the context of precious metals, this item is silver, not gold, comprising 90% pure silver and 10% copper alloy.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative)
Purity
0% gold. This is a .900 silver coin. In the context of precious metals, this item is silver, not gold, comprising 90% pure silver and 10% copper alloy.
Gold Type
None. The item is silver with a natural metallic gray patina. No gold alloy is present.
Weight
15 grams total weight; contains 13.5 grams (approximately 0.434 troy oz) of fine silver.
Description
A French 100 Francs silver coin featuring a modernized Art Deco-inspired typographic design. The reverse displays the national motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' stacked over the denomination and date. This coin was part of a series intended to reintroduce silver into circulation and commemorative collections during the mid-1980s.
Key Features
Distinctive stylized typography, the Phrygian cap symbol at the top, and the cornucopia mint mark. The high silver content compared to standard circulating currency of the era is its primary draw for collectors.
Color & Finish
Metallic silver with significant dark oxidation (toning). The finish is matte to satin, typical of late 20th-century French commemorative circulation-style strikes.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '100 F' (Denomination), '1986' (Date), 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' (Motto). Includes the cornucopia mint mark (Monnaie de Paris) and the dolphin privy mark (Emile Rousseau). 'DURAND-MEGRET' is visible as the designer's mark.
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm in diameter and 2.1 mm in thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. This is a struck metal coin with no decorative stones or enamel.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (coin). The edge is reeded (milled).
Chain & Links
Not applicable (coin). The edge features vertical ridges (reeding) for security and tactile identification.
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-struck at high pressure. The design shows sharp, clean lines in the lettering and a uniform rim, consistent with the Monnaie de Paris industrial standards.
Authentication Indicators
The presence of the Monnaie de Paris cornucopia mark and the specific 'Durand-Megret' signature are primary indicators of authenticity. The reeded edge and precise weight are secondary markers.
Origin & Maker
France, minted by the Monnaie de Paris. Designed by the studio of Durand-Megret.
Era & Period
Modern / late 20th Century. Specifically the Fifth Republic of France era.
Age Estimate
Dated 1986; 38 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Represents the French Republic's enduring values (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity) and a historical transition period before the adoption of the Euro.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good (Circulated). The coin shows heavy surface toning (darkening) and some minor rim dings. Surface luster is muted by oxidation.
Value Estimate
Current market value is primarily based on silver spot price. At $30/oz silver, melt value is approx. $13. Retail/collector value typically ranges from $15 to $22 depending on silver market fluctuations.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as it removes numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Items
1980s French 10 Francs (Nickel/Bronze), 50 Francs Hercules Silver (larger/heavier), and modern 10 Euro silver commemoratives.
Interesting Facts
The 100 Francs silver coins were briefly minted to provide a high-value physical asset for citizens, but they often ended up as hoarded collectibles rather than daily currency due to their silver value.