French 100 Francs La Fayette Commemorative Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic with heritage dating back to 864 AD.
Pattern: Commemorative Series; La Fayette Bicentennial Issue (1987).
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), the official mint of the French Republic with heritage dating back to 864 AD.
Material
.900 Silver (90% silver, 10% copper). Total weight approx. 15 grams; actual silver content approx. 0.4339 troy oz.
Dimensions
31 mm diameter; 15 grams gross weight; approx. 2 mm thickness.
Description
A striking modern silver coin commemorating the Marquis de La Fayette. This reverse side displays the national motto of France in a unique vertical typography set against a stylized tree, representing growth and the roots of democracy.
Key Features
Stylized Art Deco typography, .900 silver fineness stamp (usually on edge or implied by mint standards), and the '100F' denomination.
Material & Composition
.900 Silver (90% silver, 10% copper). Total weight approx. 15 grams; actual silver content approx. 0.4339 troy oz.
Finish & Decoration
Matte finish with heavy oxidation/tarnish. Features 'LIBERTÉ ÉGALITÉ FRATERNITÉ' in stylized Art Deco-inspired block lettering over a symbolic fasces/tree motif.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Cornucopia (Paris Mint mark) and 'Engraver General' mark; '100 F' denomination and '1987' date on the reverse.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck by the Monnaie de Paris using high-pressure hydraulic presses for precision detail.
Functional Features
Milled edge for security against clipping; legal tender in France prior to Euro adoption (though collectors' value exceeds face).
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard numismatic round form).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality government minting; clean edge milling and deep-relief striking typical of the Monnaie de Paris workshop.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the '1987' date, font consistency of the '100 F', and specific 'Cornucopia' mint marks consistent with Paris Mint production.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (Paris), manufactured by the government-regulated Monnaie de Paris.
Era & Period
Fifth Republic (Modern Era), specifically the late 20th-century commemorative boom.
Age Estimate
Dated 1987 (37 years old as of current context).
Cultural Significance
Represents the core values of the French Republic; serves as a numismatic link between the French and American revolutionary ideals.
Condition Notes
Fair to Poor condition for a collector coin; exhibits heavy, uneven dark oxidation (sulfide deposits) and surface spotting. No visible structural cracks, but significant 'eye appeal' degradation.
Value Estimate
$15 - $25 USD. Value is largely driven by silver melt weight due to the poor surface condition/tarnish.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic dips; the current tarnish is heavy and may require professional conserved silver foam if aesthetic restoration is desired. Store in PVC-free capsules.
Similar Pieces
1986 Statue of Liberty 100 Francs, 1984 Marie Curie 100 Francs. Distinguished by year and specific reverse theme.
Interesting Facts
The coin celebrates the bicentennial of the French Constitution and La Fayette's role in American-French relations; it was part of a major 1980s initiative to revive silver coinage interest.