France 1987 100 Francs La Fayette Commemorative .900 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: Commemorative circulating issue marking the 230th anniversary of the birth of the Marquis de La Fayette; one-year type.
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
0.900 Silver (90% silver, 10% copper). It contains approximately 0.434 troy oz of pure silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 31mm; Weight: 15.00 grams; Thickness: 2.3mm.
Description
A bold, modern numismatic piece celebrating the connection between France and America through Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette. The obverse features a striking modernist typographic arrangement of the French national motto, while the reverse (unseen but implied) depicts La Fayette's silhouette and a ship.
Key Features
Distinctive architectural font by designer Yanis Karatzas (indicated by the 'YK' monogram); high silver content for a late 20th-century circulating commemorative.
Material & Composition
0.900 Silver (90% silver, 10% copper). It contains approximately 0.434 troy oz of pure silver.
Finish & Decoration
Original mint luster with high-relief typography. Features the French national motto 'Liberté Égalité Fraternité' in a stylized architectural font by Yanis Karatzas.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '100F' for denomination and '1987' for year. Small cornucopia mark (mint) and dolphin mark (Emile Rousseau, General Engraver) are typically found on the edge or reverse.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck by the Monnaie de Paris using high-pressure industrial coinage presses.
Functional Features
Legal tender in France until the introduction of the Euro; reeded edge to prevent clipping or counterfeiting.
Handle & Grip Details
None; standard smooth planar surfaces with a raised protective rim.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-sinker quality typical of the Paris Mint; the letters are sharp and the fields exhibit the characteristic 'orange peel' texture of 1980s French silver minting.
Authentication Indicators
Correct 'YK' designer initials; specific 1987 date; correct font spacing; metal color consistent with .900 silver alloy.
Origin & Manufacturing
Pessac workshop, France; Monnaie de Paris traditions emphasizing artistic engraving and high metal purity.
Era & Period
Modern Republic - Fifth Republic of France (1958-present).
Age Estimate
Dated 1987; exactly 37 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Celebrates the historical alliance between France and the United States; represents a period when France regularly issued heavy silver coinage for the public to bridge the gap between currency and investment.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine condition. Visible heavy tarnish (patina) across the fields, minor surface scratches, and edge dings typical of loose storage rather than active circulation.
Value Estimate
$15 - $22 USD. Value is largely dictated by the current spot price of silver plus a small numismatic premium for the design.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value; store in an airtight PVC-free plastic flip or capsule to prevent further tarnishing.
Similar Pieces
1986 Statue of Liberty 100 Francs (similar silver content), 1984 Marie Curie 100 Francs, and the earlier Semeuse (Sower) silver 5 Francs.
Interesting Facts
The 'YK' font was considered very radical for French coinage at the time, breaking away from the classic neoclassical 'Hercules' or 'Semeuse' designs usually seen on 100 Franc coins.