French Semeuse 5 Francs Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), characterized by the 'Sower' design by Oscar Roty.
Pattern: La Semeuse (The Sower) pattern, a classic of French numismatic history.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), characterized by the 'Sower' design by Oscar Roty.
Material
.835 Silver (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper). Large silver content for a post-war circulation coin.
Dimensions
Diameter: 29mm; Thickness: 2mm; Weight: 12.0 grams (approx. 0.322 oz pure silver).
Description
This coin is a quintessential piece of French heritage, featuring Oscar Roty’s iconic 'Sower' (La Semeuse). Clad in a Phrygian cap and walking against a backdrop of a rising sun, the image symbolizes the sowing of seeds of liberty and prosperity. These silver 5 Franc coins are a favorite among silver stackers and historians alike for their significant precious metal content and elegant Art Nouveau-inspired design.
Key Features
Characteristic large diameter compared to more modern coins; 'Liberté Égalité Fraternité' inscription; heavy silver weight for a late 20th-century coin.
Material & Composition
.835 Silver (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper). Large silver content for a post-war circulation coin.
Finish & Decoration
Matte to circulated luster. Features the 'Sower' walking toward a rising sun on the obverse and olive branches on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia mint mark for the Paris Mint; various engraver marks (e.g., owl for Raymond Joly).
Construction Details
Milled and die-struck by industrial minting presses. Reeded edge for security.
Functional Features
Currency with legal tender status in France until the adoption of the Euro in 2002.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
High-relief industrial die striking typical of the Monnaie de Paris’s excellence in the mid-20th century.
Authentication Indicators
Weight consistency (12g), high-quality strike of the Semeuse silhouette, and the specific ring when struck.
Origin & Manufacturing
France, manufactured at the Pessac factory and Paris Mint.
Era & Period
The Fifth Republic (1958-Present), specifically the transition to the 'New Franc'.
Age Estimate
Dated between 1960 and 1969 based on the silver composition of this specific 5 Franc type.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of French economic reform under Charles de Gaulle, representing the 'Nouveau Franc' era.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with visible wear on the high points of the Sower's hair and dress; light toning/tarnish common for .835 silver.
Value Estimate
$10 to $18 USD depending on the current silver spot price and numismatic grade.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish or use chemical dips as this destroys the numismatic value; store in PVC-free flips or tubes to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Cupro-nickel 5 Francs (post-1970) which lack the silver luster and weigh less; Silver 50 Francs (Hercules) which were much larger.
Interesting Facts
The Sower design was originally created for 1897 postage stamps and later reused for silver coinage due to its immense popularity.