French 1 Franc Semeuse (The Sower) Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), legal tender of the French Republic
Pattern: La Semeuse (The Sower) by Oscar Roty, introduced 1897
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint), legal tender of the French Republic
Material
.835 Fine Silver (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper), weighing 5.0 grams per coin
Dimensions
Diameter: 23mm; Thickness: 1.5mm; Original Weight: 5.0g (4.175g ASW per coin)
Description
The French 1 Franc Semeuse is a masterpiece of numismatic art, designed by Louis-Oscar Roty. It depicts the personification of the French Republic as a youthful woman wearing a Phrygian cap, sowing seeds into the wind. These silver coins were a staple of French commerce until the early 20th century and remain highly collected for their elegant Art Nouveau-influenced design.
Key Features
Walking 'Sower' figure, sunburst background, .835 silver standard, signature of Oscar Roty at the base of the figure
Material & Composition
.835 Fine Silver (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper), weighing 5.0 grams per coin
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck relief featuring Marianne as 'The Sower' walking left, sowing seeds against a setting sun; Reverse features olive and oak branches
Hallmarks & Stamps
Text: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE'; Artist signature 'O. Roty'; Reverse includes 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE' and denomination
Construction Details
Machine die-struck planchets, milled edges with reeding to prevent clipping
Functional Features
Standard circulating currency with reeded edges for security
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage)
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial minting; the master dies were hand-engraved with exceptional detail reflecting the transition from Neoclassical to Art Nouveau styles.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter-to-weight ratio, crispness of 'O. Roty' signature, and specific edge reeding pattern typical of the Paris Mint
Origin & Manufacturing
France, Paris Mint (Pessac or Paris workshops)
Era & Period
French Third Republic (Late 19th to early 20th Century design style)
Age Estimate
Circa 1898-1920 (Production dates for the silver .835 purity 1-Franc issues)
Cultural Significance
Represents the agricultural roots and revolutionary ideals of France; a symbol of prosperity and the spreading of Republican values.
Condition Notes
Circulated/Good. Visible surface wear and tarnish (sulfide oxidation). Some loss of detail in the high points of the hair and dress. No major gouges or deformations.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $12.00 USD each, primarily based on silver melt value and common date availability.
Care & Maintenance
Store in PVC-free flips or capsules; do not clean or polish as it removes the numismatic patina and reduces value.
Similar Pieces
1/2 Franc Semeuse (smaller), 2 Franc Semeuse (larger), 5 Franc Semeuse (post-1960 nickel or silver variants)
Interesting Facts
The Sower design was so beloved that it was revived for the New Franc in 1960 and later featured on French Euro coins.