1986 France 100 Francs 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' Silver Coin (Note: Image appears as silver, not gold)
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative) · The pictured item is Silver. If it were the rare gold version, it would be 22K Yellow Gold (alloyed with copper/silver).
Purity: 0% (This is a .900 silver coin). For a gold version (Essai/Piedfort): 920/1000 Gold (22K). This specific visual represents the silver issue.
Type
Coin (Numismatic/Commemorative)
Purity
0% (This is a .900 silver coin). For a gold version (Essai/Piedfort): 920/1000 Gold (22K). This specific visual represents the silver issue.
Gold Type
The pictured item is Silver. If it were the rare gold version, it would be 22K Yellow Gold (alloyed with copper/silver).
Weight
15 grams (Standard Silver Issue); the rare Gold Piedfort version weighs approx. 34 grams.
Description
A striking 1986 French 100 Francs coin featuring the national motto 'Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité' in a unique architectural tree-like layout topped by a Phrygian cap. Designed by artist Émile Rousseau, this coin represents the modern numismatic aesthetic of the late 20th century. While the image shows the silver version, it is of interest to gold collectors due to rare 'Essai' gold patterns of the same design.
Key Features
Architectural typography of the French motto; 'Tree of Liberty' motif; Phrygian cap symbol; modern sans-serif denomination lettering.
Color & Finish
Cool metallic silver with a satin/matte field and frosted relief (Brilliant Uncirculated/Proof-like).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia (Paris Mint mark) and Dolphin (Emile Rousseau, General Engraver); '100 F' denomination; '1986' date.
Dimensions Estimate
Diameter: 31 mm; Thickness: 2.3 mm.
Gemstones & Inlays
None. Features high-relief typography and a stylized Phrygian cap.
Clasp & Closure
Reeded edge (standard for legal tender coinage).
Chain & Links
Not applicable; coin edge is reeded to prevent clipping/shaving of metal.
Craftsmanship Details
Die-struck at high pressure. Features 'Essai' (Pattern) level precision. The 'Tree of Motto' is a technically complex die relief for high-speed minting.
Authentication Indicators
Official Paris Mint cornucopia privy mark; correct weight-to-diameter ratio for Cupronickel or Silver issues; sharp strike on French motto.
Origin & Maker
France; Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint).
Era & Period
Modern French Republic (1980s Commemorative Series); Fifth Republic.
Age Estimate
Dated 1986.
Cultural Significance
Represents the core values of the French Republic: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. The Phrygian cap is a historic symbol of freedom from slavery.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Excellent (XF/AU). Visible surface hairlines and light oxidation/toning. No major dings or scratches.
Value Estimate
Melt value of silver (~$10-15) plus numismatic premium ($5-10). Total: $15-$25. If Gold version: ~$2,500+.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a PVC-free capsule; do not clean or polish with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value; handle by the edges only.
Similar Items
1985 100 Francs (Germinal), 1984 100 Francs (Marie Curie), and the rare 22K Gold versions of these designs.
Interesting Facts
The design was created to celebrate the principles of the French Revolution. In the 1980s, France experimented with diverse commemorative 100 Franc designs to replace the classic Silver Sower.