French 5 Francs Silver Coin (Charles X / Louis-Philippe Transition), 1830-A
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation Currency) · N/A (Silver Alloy). Likely contains 10% copper for durability, characteristic of 19th-century French coinage.
Purity: 0% (Not Gold). This item is Silver with a fineness of 900/1000 (90% pure silver).
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Circulation Currency)
Purity
0% (Not Gold). This item is Silver with a fineness of 900/1000 (90% pure silver).
Gold Type
N/A (Silver Alloy). Likely contains 10% copper for durability, characteristic of 19th-century French coinage.
Weight
25.00 grams (Standard official weight for a French 5 Francs silver coin).
Description
A classic large-form silver 5 Francs coin from the pivotal year 1830. The reverse features the denomination '5 FRANCS' within a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom. The date 1830 and the mint marks are clearly visible despite heavy surface wear. This coin represents the end of the Bourbon Restoration and the rise of Louis-Philippe.
Key Features
Large silver 'Crow-sized' coin, 1830 date, 'A' Paris mint mark, and Anchor privy mark. The laurel wreath design is iconic of the French Franc system established under Napoleon.
Color & Finish
Natural silver gray with heavy circulation patina, surface scratching, and dark toning within the recessed design elements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint mark 'A' indicates the Paris Mint. The 'Anchor' privy mark represents the Engraver General (Nicolas-Pierre Tiolier). Dated 1830.
Dimensions Estimate
37 mm in diameter, approximately 2.5 mm thick.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Standard numismatic struck metal design.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent metal shaving/clipping, which was a common security feature for precious metal currency.
Chain & Links
N/A. Round planchet with a raised protective rim and dentillated border.
Craftsmanship Details
Struck with a screw press or early steam press. Displays sharp denticles on the rim and clear, deep-seated typography in the central field.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font styles for the era, raised rim consistent with early 19th-century minting, and a natural wear pattern. Weight and diameter checks are the primary methods of authentication for this series.
Origin & Maker
Kingdom of France, struck at the Paris Mint (Monnaie de Paris).
Era & Period
Monarchy of July / Bourbon Restoration (1830). This was the year of the French Revolution of 1830.
Age Estimate
Issued in 1830; approximately 194 years old.
Cultural Significance
The 5 Franc silver coin was the workhorse of the French economy for over a century and served as the basis for the Latin Monetary Union, which sought to unify European currencies in the 1800s.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) circulation grade. Notable surface scratches (harsh cleaning marks), heavy dings near the top of '5', and general wear on the leaf tips. Structural integrity is solid.
Value Estimate
Primarily silver bullion value plus a small numismatic premium. Approximately $25 to $40 USD depending on the current silver spot price and collector demand for the 1830 date.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. Keep in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule. Avoid humidity to prevent further oxidation/tarnish.
Similar Items
Italian 5 Lire, Belgian 5 Francs, and Swiss 5 Francs (all minted to the same 25g silver standard of the Latin Monetary Union).
Interesting Facts
The year 1830 saw three kings in France within a single year (Charles X, the short-lived Louis XIX, and Louis-Philippe), making 1830 dated coins highly significant to historians.