1987 France 100 Francs La Fayette Commemorative Coin (Silver Alternative)
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative) · N/A - This appears to be the Silver Bullion version of the 100 Francs series.
Purity: N/A - Non-Gold Silver Composition. The original series includes gold variants, but this specific specimen shows silver-sulfide toning. Valid samples are typically .900 Silver.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative)
Purity
N/A - Non-Gold Silver Composition. The original series includes gold variants, but this specific specimen shows silver-sulfide toning. Valid samples are typically .900 Silver.
Gold Type
N/A - This appears to be the Silver Bullion version of the 100 Francs series.
Weight
15 grams (Standard weight for 1987 100 Francs Silver)
Description
A striking commemorative piece from the French Republic, this 100 Francs coin features the iconic motto 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ' stylized in a modern, avant-garde geometric font. The lower section displays the face value over the year 1987. Although the user requested a gold analysis, this visual specimen exhibits characteristic dark oxidation (toning) unique to silver alloys, distinguishing it from its rarer gold counterparts.
Key Features
Strong architectural typography of the French motto; geometric pillar design; specific 1987 bicentennial series branding.
Color & Finish
Gunmetal grey to charcoal patina with underlying metallic silver luster. High-relief matte finish for the typography against a flat field.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia (Paris Mint mark) and Dolphin (Engraver General Rousseau mark) likely present on the edge or hidden in design; '100F' denomination and '1987' date on reverse.
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm diameter; 2.2 mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Traditional die-struck relief.
Clasp & Closure
N/A - Minted edge finishing.
Chain & Links
Smooth or reeded edge (typical for French commemorative issues of the era).
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck by the Monnaie de Paris using precision industrial presses. Features high-quality relief with sharp vertical lines in the '11' or pillar motif below the text.
Authentication Indicators
Font accuracy; crispness of lines in the year '1987'; weight-volume ratio typical of silver. Red flag: Dark grey coloring is impossible for genuine 22K/24K gold unless plated and failing.
Origin & Maker
France; Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint).
Era & Period
Contemporary (Late 20th Century). Celebrating the Bicentennial of the French Revolution/La Fayette.
Age Estimate
Dated 1987 (approx. 37 years old).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Triad' of French values established during the Revolution of 1789, serving as a symbol of national identity.
Condition Notes
Circulated or improperly stored. Significant surface oxidation/toning across the fields. Structural integrity is sound with no major dings. (Numismatic grade: VF-EF with heavy toning).
Value Estimate
$15 - $25 USD based on silver melt value ($12-$14) and small numismatic premium. Gold versions of this coin would exceed $1,200 USD.
Care & Maintenance
Do not use abrasive silver polishes. For numismatic value, keep in a PVC-free capsule. If cleaning is desired for aesthetics, use a mild dip, though natural toning is often preferred by collectors.
Similar Items
1987 Gold 100 Francs (contains 17g of .920 gold); 1989 Bicentennial Gold Coins; silver 10 Franc or 50 Franc Hercules types.
Interesting Facts
This design was part of a major commemorative series issued by France in the late 1980s to celebrate figures like La Fayette and the ideals of the Republic.