French 5 Francs Nickel Coin, 1996
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Currency) · Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint), the oldest continuously running institution in France and one of the world's oldest official mints.
Pattern: Semeuse (The Sower) design, originally created by Oscar Roty in 1897.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulated Currency)
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (The Paris Mint), the oldest continuously running institution in France and one of the world's oldest official mints.
Material
Pure Nickel (Note: This specific 1996 issue is non-precious; older versions from 1898-1920 were silver, and a large .900 silver commemorative version was produced beginning in 1960, but the size/rim of this 1996 example indicates the nickel circulation strike).
Dimensions
Diameter: 29 mm; Thickness: 2 mm; Weight: 10.0 grams.
Description
A high-relief 5 Franc coin representing the transition of French currency. While the design is a classical masterpiece of Art Nouveau reimagined for the modern age, the 1996 version was the standard workhorse of French commerce before the Euro replacement.
Key Features
The distinctive wreath on the reverse, the 1996 date, and the specific mint marks of the Paris Mint and Pierre Rodier.
Material & Composition
Pure Nickel (Note: This specific 1996 issue is non-precious; older versions from 1898-1920 were silver, and a large .900 silver commemorative version was produced beginning in 1960, but the size/rim of this 1996 example indicates the nickel circulation strike).
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck with a raised rim and dentils. The reverse (shown) features a wreath of olive and oak branches tied with a ribbon. The obverse (not shown) features 'The Sower' (La Semeuse), a national symbol of France.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Mint marks: 'Cornucopia' (Paris Mint) and 'Bee' (Engraver Pierre Rodier's mark). Text: 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE' and denomination '5 FRANCS'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck, die-pressed coinage with a reeded edge for security and grip.
Functional Features
Milled/reeded edge to prevent 'clipping' of the metal; raised lettering for durability in circulation.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Precision industrial minting; excellent detail in the botanical elements of the wreath; consistent striking pressure.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font serifs for 1996 strikes; presence of the cornucopia and bee mint marks; standard 29mm diameter.
Origin & Manufacturing
Pessac or Paris, France; produced by the state-controlled French National Mint.
Era & Period
Fifth Republic (Modern Era), specifically the final decade before the adoption of the Euro.
Age Estimate
Dated 1996; minted approximately 6 years before being withdrawn from legal tender status in 2002.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the French Republic's agricultural roots and Enlightenment values; a piece of daily life for millions of French citizens until the 2002 currency changeover.
Condition Notes
Very Fine (VF) to Extremely Fine (EF). Shows light circulation wear on high points of the wreath but retains a healthy luster; minimal bag marks or edge nicks.
Value Estimate
$1.00 - $3.00 USD (Face value was approximately 1 USD at the time of conversion; now holds mainly modest collector or sentimental value).
Care & Maintenance
Store in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule; do not clean or polish as this removes original 'mint bloom' and reduces numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
1960-1969 5 Francs (Silver .900), 1970-2001 5 Francs (Nickel), 2 Francs (Nickel), and various gold/silver commemoratives of the same design.
Interesting Facts
The 'Sower' design was so beloved that it was later adapted for use on the French Euro cent coins (10, 20, and 50 cents). This 1996 nickel version is not silver, unlike its 1960s predecessors which contained 12 grams of pure silver.