French 5 Francs Coin 'Semeuse' (The Sower) Sterling Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint). Established in 864 AD, it is the world's oldest continuously running minting institution with an unparalleled reputation for numismatic artistry.
Pattern: Semeuse (The Sower) pattern by Louis-Oscar Roty, introduced in its modern silver form in 1960. It is one of the most iconic designs in French numismatic history.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint). Established in 864 AD, it is the world's oldest continuously running minting institution with an unparalleled reputation for numismatic artistry.
Material
Silver .835 fineness (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper). This was the standard for French sub-fractional silver coinage during the mid-20th century.
Dimensions
Diameter: 29.0 mm; Weight: 12.0 grams (Gross weight); Silver content: 10.02 grams of fine silver.
Description
This is a quintessential silver 5 Franc coin representing the postwar French economic revival. It features Oscar Roty's world-renowned 'Semeuse' (The Sower), personified as Marianne walking left, sowing seeds into the wind with a Phrygian cap and flowing hair. It is a symbol of French agriculture and democratic growth, prized by silver stackers for its recognizable silver content and historical beauty.
Key Features
Oscar Roty's signature (usually visible at the lower left of center), the high-relief Art Nouveau portrait, and the specific .835 silver purity distinctive to French coinage of this era.
Material & Composition
Silver .835 fineness (83.5% silver, 16.5% copper). This was the standard for French sub-fractional silver coinage during the mid-20th century.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck satin finish with raised relief. Obverse features the 'Semeuse' (Marianne as a sower) against a rising sun, a classic Art Nouveau-style design. Reverse typically features the denomination and olive/oak branches. Text: REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'Cornucopia' mint mark of the Monnaie de Paris and an engraver's mark (differents) such as the owl or dolphin depending on the year. No traditional jewelry hallmarks as it is legal tender.
Construction Details
Industrial die-striking using high-tonnage coin presses. The edge is typically lettered with the French national motto: 'LIBERTE EGALITE FRATERNITE'.
Functional Features
Milled edge with lettering to prevent 'clipping' (shaving off silver from the edges). Designed for high-circulation durability and anti-counterfeiting.
Handle & Grip Details
None (Circular coin form).
Craftsmanship Details
Expert industrial minting. The hair detail on Marianne and the sun rays are indicators of a well-struck die. The wear on this specimen suggests it was actively traded in the 1960s.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font spacing for 'REPUBLIQUE FRANÇAISE', specific weight of 12g, and the characteristic matte-grey tarnish of .835 silver compared to the bright white of .925 sterling.
Origin & Manufacturing
France (Paris or Pessac Mint). Manufactured following the strict standards of the French Ministry of Finance.
Era & Period
Fifth Republic (Modern Era). The design is an Art Nouveau revival based on the 1897 original by Roty, utilized in this larger 5 Franc format starting in 1960.
Age Estimate
Circa 1960-1969. The silver 5 Francs were minted in .835 silver during this decade before being replaced by cupro-nickel in 1970.
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Trentes Glorieuses' (the thirty glorious years of French economic boom). It is a national icon of French identity, symbolizing the beauty of labor and the republic.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine. Shows significant surface oxidation (toning) and many small contact marks/scratches consistent with circulation usage. No visible rim nicks or major structural damage.
Value Estimate
The value follows the 'melt price' + small premium. Usually $8.00–$12.00 USD depending on the current silver spot price. Rare dates (like 1959) or Uncirculated specimens can command higher prices.
Care & Maintenance
Collectors usually advise against polishing coins as it destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free 'flip' or PVC-free capsule. If stacking for silver value only, mild soapy water can remove surface grime.
Similar Pieces
The cupro-nickel 5 Francs (1970+), which are magnetic and have no silver value; also the smaller silver 1 and 2 Francs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Interesting Facts
The Sower design was so popular it was used on French postage stamps for decades and reappeared on the French Euro coins after 2002. It was originally designed to represent a young woman named Rosalina Pesce.