France 1986 100 Francs Statue of Liberty Centennial Silver Coin (Gold-Plated or Toned Silver)
Coin - Commemorative/Numismatic · None. Item appears to be a silver coin that has been gold-plated (vermeil) or has extreme golden-brown toning on the surface.
Purity: None/Surface Tint only. Original coin is .900 Fine Silver (90% silver, 10% copper).
Type
Coin - Commemorative/Numismatic
Purity
None/Surface Tint only. Original coin is .900 Fine Silver (90% silver, 10% copper).
Gold Type
None. Item appears to be a silver coin that has been gold-plated (vermeil) or has extreme golden-brown toning on the surface.
Weight
15.0 grams (standard for this 100 Francs issue)
Description
A French commemorative 100 Francs coin struck in 1986 to celebrate the centennial of the Statue of Liberty. The reverse (shown) features the national motto 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ' in a modernist, vertical font. This specific specimen appears to have been after-market gold plated or has oxidized with a heavy golden-amber luster unusual for silver.
Key Features
Distinctive modernist typography, Phrygian cap emblem, and the Durand-Megret signature on the right edge.
Color & Finish
Pale golden-brown with heavy grey/purple patina. Satin background with raised matte lettering and a Phrygian cap motif.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia (Monnaie de Paris mint mark), Dolphin (Emile Rousseau engraver mark), and 'DURAND-MEGRET' maker signature.
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm diameter, 2.3 mm thickness
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Features a stylized Phrygian cap and French Republican motto.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable (coin). Features a reeded/edge-lettered rim.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. Structural material is solid silver coin blank.
Craftsmanship Details
Struck via industrial hydraulic minting press; high-relief lettering with sandblasted die finish for the matte design elements.
Authentication Indicators
Monnaie de Paris cornucopia mark present; font style and date alignment match the 'Droits de l’Homme' series standards.
Origin & Maker
France (Monnaie de Paris); Engraved by Michel Durand-Megret.
Era & Period
Contemporary (Modern Commemorative) - 1980s French Numismatics.
Age Estimate
Dated 1986 (38 years old).
Cultural Significance
Represents the enduring French-American friendship and the ideals of the Enlightenment as codified in the French Revolution.
Condition Notes
Very Good (Circulated/Handled). Visible surface scratches, rim nicks, and heavy uneven oxidation/toning across the fields.
Value Estimate
$15 - $25 USD (Primarily silver melt value of approx. 0.434 oz ASW plus a small collector premium).
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or clean. Numismatic value is highest with original patina. Store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule.
Similar Items
1986 US Silver Liberty Dollar; French 1989 100 Francs René Descartes; French 1982 100 Francs Panthéon.
Interesting Facts
While this coin honors Liberty, the 100 Francs series was often used for artistic experimentation in French minting during the 1980s.