France 5 Francs Semeuse (Sower) 1996 Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic with a history dating back to 864 AD.
Pattern: La Semeuse (The Sower) design, originally created by Louis-Oscar Roty in 1897.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic with a history dating back to 864 AD.
Material
Nickel-clad Copper (Note: Standard circulation 5 Francs of 1996 are not silver; however, a limited Silver Proof version exists in .900 silver).
Dimensions
Diameter: 29.00 mm, Thickness: 2.00 mm, Weight: 10.00 grams (standard cupro-nickel version).
Description
The 1996 5 Francs coin is a classic example of French numismatic art, featuring the 'Semeuse' design which served as a symbol of French resilience and agricultural vitality for over a century.
Key Features
Circular legend 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE', central denomination '5 FRANCS', and the date '1996' enclosed in a mixed botanical wreath.
Material & Composition
Nickel-clad Copper (Note: Standard circulation 5 Francs of 1996 are not silver; however, a limited Silver Proof version exists in .900 silver).
Finish & Decoration
Circulated satin finish. Features a wreath of olive and oak branches on the reverse and the iconic Sower figure on the obverse (not pictured).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia (Paris Mint mark) and the Bee (Engraver Pierre Rodier's mark) located near the bottom of the reverse design.
Construction Details
Die-struck, machine-manufactured by the Paris Mint using high-pressure industrial coinage presses.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for anti-counterfeiting and to prevent metal clipping; legal tender value of 5 Francs until the Euro transition.
Handle & Grip Details
None (not applicable for coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced but features high-quality engraving from the original late 19th-century master dies by Oscar Roty.
Authentication Indicators
Characteristic font for '5 FRANCS', presence of correct mint director symbols (Bee and Cornucopia), and consistent rim denticles.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, manufactured at the Pessac factory of the Monnaie de Paris.
Era & Period
Fifth Republic (Contemporary era), representing the late 20th-century French monetary system prior to the Euro.
Age Estimate
Dated 1996; exactly 28 years old at current date.
Cultural Significance
Represents the final years of the Franc as the national currency of France before it was replaced by the Euro in 2002.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible surface bag marks, light scratches, and some localized oxidation/tarnish. Grade: Very Fine (VF).
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $3.00 USD for standard nickel circulation strikes; silver proof versions from this year can exceed $40.00 USD.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or clean with abrasives as this destroys numismatic value; store in a PVC-free flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1960-1969 5 Francs (which were .835 Silver), 1970-2001 Nickel 5 Francs, and the smaller 1 Franc and 2 Franc Sower coins.
Interesting Facts
The Sower design is so beloved in France that it was adapted for the French Euro coins (10, 20, and 50 cent denominations).