French 100 Francs Commemorative Silver Coin, 1987 La Fayette
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint)
Pattern: Modern French Republic Commemorative Coinage
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint)
Material
.900 Silver (90% Pure Silver, 10% Copper alloy), contains 13.5g of pure silver
Dimensions
Diameter: 31 mm; Thickness: 2.1 mm; Weight: 15.00 grams (0.4822 troy oz ASW)
Description
This 100 Francs silver coin commemorates the bicentennial of the Marquis de La Fayette's role in the American and French Revolutions. The reverse side (shown) breaks from traditional heraldry, utilizing a modern, geometric typography for the national motto, crowned by a Phrygian cap (liberty cap).
Key Features
Bold architectural lettering of 'LIBERTÉ EGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ'; 'DURAND-MEGRET' edge-aligned signature; .900 silver fineness.
Material & Composition
.900 Silver (90% Pure Silver, 10% Copper alloy), contains 13.5g of pure silver
Finish & Decoration
Satin/Circulated finish with relief lettering and graphic Phrygian cap motif. Features the national motto 'Liberté Egalité Fraternité' in a stylized architectural font.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia Mint Mark (Monnaie de Paris) and the Fish Director's Mark (Émile Rousseau). 'DURAND-MEGRET' designer signature along the right rim.
Construction Details
Machine die-struck planchet with a reeded/lettered edge.
Functional Features
Legal tender value of 100 Francs (now demonetized after Euro adoption); specific weight and magnetism standards for currency verification.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge for tactile identification and to prevent metal shaving/clipping.
Craftsmanship Details
High-pressure industrial minting with precision engraving of the dies to produce sharp, legible lettering in a contemporary 1980s style.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the '1987' date between the mint marks; crispness of the Durand-Megret signature; correct weight of exactly 15g; non-magnetic properties.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, produced at the Monnaie de Paris workshop.
Era & Period
Fifth French Republic (Modern Era), issued 1987.
Age Estimate
Dated 1987 (37 years old as of 2024).
Cultural Significance
A symbol of French republican values and their historical tie to American liberty through the figure of La Fayette.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine (XF). Visible minor surface scratches (bag marks) and light rim toning. No significant dents; maintains original luster in protected areas.
Value Estimate
$15.00 - $22.00 USD, largely driven by its silver melt value plus a small numismatic premium.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free PVC-free coin flip or capsule to prevent oxidation (toning).
Similar Pieces
1986 Statue of Liberty 100 Francs, 1984 Marie Curie 100 Francs, 1989 French Revolution Bicentennial 100 Francs.
Interesting Facts
The coin was designed by Michel Durand-Megret. The 100 Francs silver series was widely hoarded by the French public as a form of 'generational savings' during the late 20th century.