1990 France 100 Francs Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics Silver Proof Coin (Note: Item is Silver, not Gold)
Coin (Numismatic Commemorative) · None (Silver alloy - .900 Silver, .100 Copper)
Purity: 0% Gold / .900 Fine Silver (This specific coin is struck in silver, not gold. The series also produced a 500 Francs gold version)
Type
Coin (Numismatic Commemorative)
Purity
0% Gold / .900 Fine Silver (This specific coin is struck in silver, not gold. The series also produced a 500 Francs gold version)
Gold Type
None (Silver alloy - .900 Silver, .100 Copper)
Weight
15 grams (Total weight for standard .900 silver 100 Francs issue)
Description
This is a commemorative 100 Francs coin issued by the French Republic to honor the XVI Olympic Winter Games in Albertville 1992. The obverse features the official games logo—a stylized flame above the Olympic rings—surrounded by the text 'XVIes JEUX OLYMPIQUES D'HIVER' and 'ALBERTVILLE 92'. Struck in a proof quality, the coin exhibits a sharp contrast between its satin-finished flame motif and the deep, reflective background fields. It remains housed in its original collector's casing.
Key Features
Official Olympic Rings logo, 100 Francs denomination, 1990 pre-dated issue for the 1992 games, Proof strike quality
Color & Finish
Monochromatic silver grey with a Proof finish; featuring frosted devices and mirror-like fields
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia mint mark (Monnaie de Paris) and dolphin privy mark (Emile Rousseau) usually present; reverse shows '100 FRANCS'
Dimensions Estimate
31 mm in diameter
Gemstones & Inlays
None
Clasp & Closure
Edge: Smooth (contained in a clear acrylic protective capsule and velvet-lined presentation box)
Chain & Links
Standard reeded or smooth coin edge (no jewelry links)
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality proof strike with precision die-cutting; features the signature French aesthetic of clean lines and frosted relief elements
Authentication Indicators
Sharpness of the strike, characteristic frost-on-mirror proof finish of the Monnaie de Paris, correct weight-to-diameter ratio for the 100 Francs series
Origin & Maker
France, struck by Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint)
Era & Period
Modern (Late 20th Century / 1990)
Age Estimate
Issued in 1990 (34 years old)
Cultural Significance
Represents the international spirit of the Olympic movement and France's role as a host nation for the Winter Games at the turn of the decade
Condition Notes
Excellent to Mint (PR-67 to PR-70 range); protected by an acrylic capsule with no visible toning or carbon spots
Value Estimate
$25 - $45 USD (Based on silver melt value plus a slight numismatic premium for Olympic collectors; not to be confused with the gold 500 Francs version which is worth ~$1,200+)
Care & Maintenance
Keep inside the acrylic capsule to prevent oxidation (toning). Handle only by the edges if removed; never clean with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value
Similar Items
500 Francs Gold Albertville Coin (which is .920 Gold and 17g), 100 Francs Silver Jumping/Skiing variants, or 1992 US Olympic Silver Dollars
Interesting Facts
France released a comprehensive series of 10 silver coins and 4 gold coins to fund and celebrate the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville