1988 France 100 Francs 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' Silver Piedfort or Proof Coin (Appears Silver/Non-Gold)
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative) · N/A - Item appears to be silver. If it were gold, it would be a 24K bullion finish or 22K alloy, but the visible grey patina suggests silver tarnish.
Purity: Non-gold; this specimen appears to be the .900 or .950 fine silver version of the French 100 Francs. It lacks the 999/24K yellow luster of the gold bullion counterparts.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative)
Purity
Non-gold; this specimen appears to be the .900 or .950 fine silver version of the French 100 Francs. It lacks the 999/24K yellow luster of the gold bullion counterparts.
Gold Type
N/A - Item appears to be silver. If it were gold, it would be a 24K bullion finish or 22K alloy, but the visible grey patina suggests silver tarnish.
Weight
15 grams (Standard Silver) or 22.2 grams (Gold version). Piedfort silver versions can weigh 30 grams.
Description
A striking modern French commemorative coin featuring the national motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' in a stylized, vertical architectural font. Below the motto is the denomination '100 F' and the date '1988'. The reverse typically features Marie Curie or a similar cultural figure.
Key Features
Stylized Art Deco-influenced typography; Phrygian cap symbol at the top; Paris mint marks (Cornucopia and Dolphin).
Color & Finish
Cool grey with dark silver patina/toning; satin field with high-relief stylized lettering. Lacks yellow/gold reflectance.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia (Paris Mint mark) and a Dolphin (Master Engraver Emile Rousseau) visible between the date '1988'.
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm in diameter; thickness varies between 2mm (Standard) and 4mm (Piedfort).
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design is purely metallic and numismatic.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded or smooth edge typical of French commemorative strikes (Not applicable for jewelry).
Chain & Links
N/A - Circular coin strike.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision machine-struck at the Paris Mint; features crisp edges on the raised lettering and a well-defined horizontal bisecting line.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font spacing for 1988 issue; official Paris mint marks; distinct '100 F' relief depth. The tarnish is a primary indicator that this is a silver strike rather than gold.
Origin & Maker
France; Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint).
Era & Period
Modern (Late 20th Century French Republic).
Age Estimate
Dated 1988; approximately 36 years old.
Cultural Significance
Represents the French Enlightenment and the enduring legacy of the French Revolution.
Condition Notes
Good to Very Good. Significant surface oxidation and spotting (tarnishing) consistent with silver, not gold. No major dents but original luster is muted.
Value Estimate
Resale value is primarily numismatic and metal-based. As silver, approximately $20–$45 USD depending on weight and silver spot price. If gold (unlikely based on color), significantly higher based on melt.
Care & Maintenance
For silver, use a non-abrasive silver cloth. Do not 'dip' or over-clean as numismatic value is tied to original surface state. Store in an airtight capsule.
Similar Items
1988 Gold 100 Francs (Yellow/Shiny), 1988 Platinum 100 Francs, and standard circulatory French coinage of the V Republic.
Interesting Facts
The 100 Francs series was often used by France to commemorate historic figures or ideals; this specific design celebrates the core values of the Republic.