1986 France 100 Francs Statue of Liberty Centennial Commemorative Coin
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative) · Yellow Gold (standard monetary alloy with copper for durability)
Purity: 92% Gold (22K) or 90% Gold (900/1000) depending on specific variant; note that silver and piedfort versions exist, but the gold variant contains approximately 90-92% pure gold content.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative)
Purity
92% Gold (22K) or 90% Gold (900/1000) depending on specific variant; note that silver and piedfort versions exist, but the gold variant contains approximately 90-92% pure gold content.
Gold Type
Yellow Gold (standard monetary alloy with copper for durability)
Weight
17.00 grams (standard gold version); weights can vary for proof or piedfort issues.
Description
A striking French commemorative coin issued to mark the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. The reverse features a bold, avant-garde typographic arrangement of the French national motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' forming the silhouette of the statue, topped with a Phrygian cap. The lower half displays the denomination '100F' and the year '1986' separated by horizontal architectural lines.
Key Features
Modernist typographic design, Phrygian cap icon, dual-date significance (1886-1986), and the Monnaie de Paris cornucopia hallmark.
Color & Finish
Lustrous warm yellow with a proof-like mirror finish in the fields and frosted/textured relief on the typographic elements.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia (Monnaie de Paris mint mark) and a dolphin (Engraver General symbol), also features the designer mark 'D'URVILLE-NEMOUR' vertically on the right edge.
Dimensions Estimate
31.0 mm diameter, approximately 2.0 mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Features high-relief numismatic engraving.
Clasp & Closure
Not applicable; reeded edge or smooth edge finishing depending on strike type.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The edge is standard coin reeding.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die striking via hydraulic press; features the distinctive French 'D’Urville-Nemour' design style characterized by architectural symmetry and clean lines.
Authentication Indicators
Sharpness of the 'Liberté' lettering, presence of official mint marks (Cornucopia), consistent weight-to-diameter ratio, and precise reeding on the edge.
Origin & Maker
France; struck by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint).
Era & Period
Contemporary (Modern Commemorative, 1980s).
Age Estimate
Dated 1986.
Cultural Significance
Represents the enduring alliance between France and the United States and the shared values of the Enlightenment expressed in the French motto.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in Extremely Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU) condition with minor surface contact marks and light handling visible on the mirror fields.
Value Estimate
Primarily based on gold melt value (approx. 0.5 oz pure gold equivalent) plus a 5-15% numismatic premium for commemorative collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a PVC-free airtight capsule. Do not polish or clean with abrasives, as this destroys numismatic value. Handle only by the edges.
Similar Items
US 1986 Liberty Half Eagle ($5 Gold), French 1986 Silver 100 Francs (same design, different metal), and French 50 Francs Hercules.
Interesting Facts
This coin celebrates the shared history between France and the US; the statue was a gift from the people of France to the United States, designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi.