1987 France 100 Francs La Fayette .900 Silver Coin
Coin (Commemorative, Numismatic) · Not applicable; item is silver with heavy tarnish/oxidization creating a golden-brown hue.
Purity: None - 0% Gold. This item is .900 (90%) Fine Silver. The appearance likely suggests gold to a layperson due to the heavy yellow/brown environmental toning (patina) visible on the surface.
Type
Coin (Commemorative, Numismatic)
Purity
None - 0% Gold. This item is .900 (90%) Fine Silver. The appearance likely suggests gold to a layperson due to the heavy yellow/brown environmental toning (patina) visible on the surface.
Gold Type
Not applicable; item is silver with heavy tarnish/oxidization creating a golden-brown hue.
Weight
15.00 grams (Standard specification for this issue). Contains 13.5g of pure silver (0.4340 oz ASW).
Description
A striking commemorative French 100 Franc piece featuring a modernist typographic interpretation of the national motto. This specific specimen exhibits a deep, natural 'rainbow' or 'sulfur' toning that has turned the silver surface into a metallic gold-brown shade, often mistaken for gold by distance. It celebrates the bicentennial of the 'Arrival of La Fayette in America'.
Key Features
Stylized Art Deco-influenced typography; '100F' denomination; commemorative of Marquis de La Fayette; Paris Mint cornucopia hallmark.
Color & Finish
Originally silver-white with a satin/proof-like finish; currently exhibits heavy mottled toning which presents as dark gold, bronze, and charcoal grey due to environmental exposure.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Text: LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ, 100F, 1987. Mint mark "Cornucopia" (Monnaie de Paris) and Engraver General's mark (Emile Rousseau) at the bottom.
Dimensions Estimate
31.0 mm in diameter, 2.3 mm thickness.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. The design relies entirely on modern artistic typography and geometric motifs.
Clasp & Closure
None. Circular reeded edge for security and aesthetic finish.
Chain & Links
Not applicable. The edge is reeded (milled), which is standard for high-denomination French coinage of the era.
Craftsmanship Details
Struck with modern high-pressure dies. The typography is deeply recessed with sharp corners, characteristic of the Monnaie de Paris's technical excellence in the late 20th century.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font weighting for the 1987 issue; presence of the Monnaie de Paris cornucopia; reeded edge consistency; specific gravity of silver (~10.5).
Origin & Maker
France, struck by the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint). Designed by J. Durand-Rival.
Era & Period
Modern (1987). Commemorating the bicentennial of the Marquis de La Fayette's role in the American and French Revolutionary ideals.
Age Estimate
Produced in 1987 (37 years old as of 2024).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Triple Devise' of the French Republic: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity. It serves as a numismatic link between French and American revolutionary history.
Condition Notes
Circulated/XF-AU. Features significant surface oxidation/toning. No major mechanical damage or dings, but the luster is obscured by chemical patina. Condition Grade: AU (About Uncirculated) Details.
Value Estimate
Melt Value: Approx. $11-13 USD based on silver spot price. Collector Value: $15-$25 USD in current toned condition.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish. In numismatics, removing the patina (the 'gold' look) with silver dip or cloths destroys the collector value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or capsule.
Similar Items
1987 100 Francs La Fayette Gold Proof (much smaller, bright yellow); 1986 100 Francs Statue of Liberty; US Liberty Silver Dollars.
Interesting Facts
While this looks like gold in the photo, the 100 Francs gold version of this year is much smaller (approx 3.1g) and 24K. This 31mm version is strictly silver. It commemorates the man who is a hero in both the USA and France.